What happened?
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League knockout play-off second leg, Qarabag lost 3-2 to Newcastle United, resulting in a 9-3 aggregate defeat. This match marked a record for Qarabag, who conceded 30 goals in a single campaign since the competition’s rebranding in 1992/93. Newcastle’s early dominance was evident as they scored twice within the first six minutes, with goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
Why it matters?
The defeat highlights Qarabag’s struggles in the tournament, while Newcastle’s performance solidifies their position in the last 16 of the Champions League. The match also showcased the potential of young players, as 21-year-old Alex Murphy made his first start for Newcastle. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe’s absence from Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Benfica due to a knee injury raises concerns about the team’s prospects in the tournament.
What’s next?
Newcastle will advance to the last 16, looking to build on their strong performance. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Benfica without their star forward, Mbappe, who has been a key player in both LaLiga and the Champions League. The outcome of these matches will be closely followed on platforms like flashscore, which provides real-time updates and statistics for football fans.
