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Newcastle Faces Qarabag in Crucial Champions League Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 7:19 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: AZERBAIJAN, UNITED KINGDOM

Baku, Azerbaijan - February 18th, 2026 - Newcastle United travels to Baku today to face Qarabag FK in a crucial Champions League Group E fixture. With the pressure mounting to secure a spot in the knockout stages, the Magpies are looking for a win against a determined Qarabag side. The match kicks off at 2:45 PM Eastern Time, and for US viewers, Paramount+ holds the exclusive broadcast rights.

This encounter represents a significant test for Newcastle, who find themselves in a tightly contested Group E alongside established European powerhouses Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. After a mixed start to their Champions League campaign, Eddie Howe's men know that dropped points against Qarabag could severely damage their hopes of progressing to the last 16.

The Challenge of Facing Qarabag on Their Home Turf

Qarabag, the champions of Azerbaijan, are no strangers to European competition. While they may not be a household name like their Group E rivals, they consistently prove to be a formidable opponent at home. The Tofiq B?hramov Republican Stadium in Baku is renowned for its passionate atmosphere, and Qarabag will undoubtedly be looking to harness that energy to unsettle Newcastle.

Qarabag's strength lies in their organized defense and quick counter-attacks. They possess a number of skillful attacking players capable of exploiting any defensive lapses from Newcastle. Manager Gurbanov is a tactically astute coach who has built a resilient and disciplined team. Recent reports indicate a focus on disrupting Newcastle's passing game and denying them space in the final third.

Newcastle's Road to Baku: Form and Expectations

Newcastle's domestic form has been somewhat inconsistent this season, oscillating between impressive wins and frustrating draws. However, their Champions League campaign has presented a new level of challenge. While they demonstrated flashes of brilliance in their opening matches, they've struggled to maintain consistency and convert opportunities into goals.

The key for Newcastle will be finding the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. Howe is expected to field a strong starting eleven, with Callum Wilson leading the line and supported by a dynamic midfield trio. The defensive partnership of Sven Botman and Dan Burn will be crucial in containing Qarabag's attacking threats. The away goal rule is no longer in effect, meaning that a draw in Baku isn't necessarily a bad result, but a win is paramount to solidifying their position in the group.

How to Watch in the US: Paramount+ Exclusivity

For fans in the United States, watching Qarabag vs. Newcastle is straightforward, but requires a Paramount+ subscription. There will be no traditional television coverage of the match. Paramount+ has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all Champions League matches in the US, making it the go-to platform for football enthusiasts. Subscribers can stream the game live on their computers, tablets, smartphones, or smart TVs.

Group E Standings and Implications

Heading into this matchday, the Group E standings are incredibly tight. Borussia Dortmund currently leads the group, followed closely by AC Milan. Newcastle finds themselves in a precarious position, needing a positive result in Baku to climb the table. A win would see them leapfrog either Milan or Dortmund depending on the outcome of their parallel match. Conversely, a loss could leave them facing an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.

The final group stage match will see Newcastle host Borussia Dortmund, and then travel to Milan to face AC Milan. This makes the Qarabag match all the more important, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the group campaign. Fans are bracing for a tense and exciting conclusion to Newcastle's Champions League journey, and today's match in Baku is a pivotal moment in that narrative.