News

Newcastle United now set to face Qarabag FK in the Champions League.

A two-legged play-off to decide which of the two clubs makes the last 16 of the competition.

With their 14 points from four wins, two draws and two defeats, Newcastle United finished 12th in the Swiss League phase and ensured the home match would be second.

Ending up between ninth and sixteenth, also ensured playing a club that finished between seventeenth and twenty fourth.

In the end, it was PSG or Newcastle United against either Monaco or Qarabag FK, due to the way UEFA pair clubs.

So PSG up against Monaco, whilst United facing a trip to Azerbaijan to kick off their play-off.

My knowledge of Qarabag FK and indeed Azerbaijan football in general, is a ‘little’ limited.

However, I have now discovered that Gurban Gurbanov is heading towards a full 20 years as Qarabag boss! He became manager in 2008 and is closing in on two full decades in charge.

Qarabag have won the domestic league in Azerbaijan in 11 of the last 12 seasons (second in the ‘disastrous 2020/21 season!).

However, they currently trail league leaders Sabah by four points.

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