Eddie Howe adores motivational slogans and the Newcastle manager’s current favourite is: “One Brain.” The idea is to inspire his team to play with the sort of synchronicity that stems from a collective mindset and unity of purpose.
For a while here it seemed to be working a treat with Newcastle’s intelligence – joint and individual – threatening to further humiliate Qarabag. But then, with a last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea assured, home concentration began, understandably, wandering a little. Commendably, the Azerbaijani title holders capitalised by fighting back; Gurban Gurbanov’s side, and, in particular, their Colombian forward Camilo Durán, showing they can play a bit too.
Written by Louise Taylor at St James’ Park
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/24/newcastle-qarabag-champions-league-playoff-match-report under the title “Newcastle finish off Qarabag in rapid time to set up Chelsea or Barcelona tie”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
