What time is Qarabag vs Newcastle? Champions League play-off tie shifted plus full talkSPORT commentary

Feb 16, 2026 - 12:30

Newcastle will begin their quest to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages with the first leg of their play-off this week.

And the Magpies are scheduled to be playing at an earlier time than usual, as they clash with Azerbaijani side Qarabag.

Joe Willock celebrates goal against PSG — Newcastle drew with PSG in their final league phase game before the play-offs

Eddie Howe‘s side missed out on automatic qualification for the last 16, so they must get through this two-legged tie to progress.

They finished 12th in the league phase before being drawn against Qarabag, who sat 22nd in the table after eight games.

Newcastle come into the game following a controversy-filled FA Cup tie against Aston Villa – one which they won 3-1.

And the Toon will now hope to come away from the first leg of their play-off in Europe with a positive result to build on back at home.

What time is Qarabag vs Newcastle?

The Champions League play-off first leg on Wednesday, February 18, will be kicking off at an earlier time than usual.

Kick-off at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku is set for 5:45pm UK time.

Every home match played by Qarabag in Europe this season has been played at that time, likely due to time differences.

Locally, the play-off tie will be starting at 9:45pm on Wednesday.

So, if they were to kick off against Newcastle at 8pm, along with the other clashes, it would be midnight in Azerbaijan.

Therefore, the game had to be moved to an earlier start, just as their meeting with Chelsea was in November.

Nick Woltemade playing for Newcastle away at PSG — The Magpies will hope for a positive result away in Azerbaijan

You can follow live coverage of the Champions League play-off tie between Newcastle and Qarabag on talkSPORT 2.

Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former Toon midfielder Darren Ambrose.

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