Newcastle Draw Qarabag in Champions League Knockout Play-Offs

Newcastle United have drawn Qarabag in the Knockout Play-Offs in 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

Newcastle finished 12th in the league phase after they fought back to draw 1-1 at PSG which coincidentally saw the French club also pulled down into the knockout play-offs, with both teams having began that match sat inside the top eight and on course to bypass this stage.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies have now been drawn against Qarabag with the first leg played away at the Republican Stadium, Baku, before they host the second leg at St James’ Park due to having secured a seeded position of having been amongst those who finished between 9th – 16th in the league phase.

PSG meanwhile will again face an all-French knockout play-off after they were drawn against Monaco, having thrashed Brest 10-0 at this stage last season en-route to the title.

Jose Mourinho’s Benfica were handed a blockbuster play-off against his former team, Real Madrid, having beaten them 4-2 in their clash in the last round of league-phase fixtures to scrape through to this stage.

Bodo/Glimt will seek to cause a shock against Inter Milan in their quest to extend their longest Champions League run.

Borussia Dortmund meanwhile drew Atalanta in an exciting matchup between two teams capable of a deep run in this competition, whilst Club Brugge will take on Atletico Madrid in a tricky tie.

Galatasaray and Olympiacos will face Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

First legs of the ties are scheduled to be played between 17-18 February 2026, whilst the second legs take place a week later between 24-25 February.