The fixtures for the Champions League knockout play-off round have been officially confirmed, setting the stage for a dramatic February of European football. Newcastle United have received what many will consider a favourable draw, paired with Azerbaijani side Qarabag for a two-legged tie that will determine progression to the last sixteen.
Newcastle's Path to the Last Sixteen
Eddie Howe's side secured this opportunity after a final day draw with Paris Saint-Germain saw them finish twelfth in the league phase. This placement has now resulted in a historic match-up against Qarabag, the first club from Azerbaijan to ever reach the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Speaking before the draw was made, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed optimism about the challenge ahead. "Whoever we get, it's going to be a great tie. It is a great moment for us," Howe stated. "I'm really pleased with Wednesday and really pleased we showed really good defensive qualities. We go into the next draw with real positivity and I'm excited for whoever we get."
The Full Play-Off Fixture List
The eight ties will be played across two weeks in February 2026, with first legs scheduled for 17-18 February and return legs on 24-25 February. The complete draw is as follows:
- Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos
- Juventus vs Galatasaray
- Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco
- Newcastle vs Qarabag
- Real Madrid vs Benfica
- Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt
Other Notable Match-Ups
Beyond Newcastle's tie, the draw has produced several intriguing contests. Paris Saint-Germain will face fellow French club Monaco in a domestic derby with European stakes, while Real Madrid have been drawn against Benfica in a rematch following a dramatic midweek defeat to Jose Mourinho's side.
The winners of these eight play-off ties will advance to the Champions League round of sixteen, where they will meet the direct qualifiers from the league phase. Those direct qualifiers include five Premier League sides: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City, ensuring strong English representation in the latter stages of the competition.
For Newcastle United, the draw against Qarabag represents a significant opportunity to reach the last sixteen of Europe's premier club competition. While the Azerbaijani champions have made history by reaching this stage, Newcastle will be confident of their chances across the two legs in February.
