Champions League last 16 qualification was confirmed on Tuesday for Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen after decisive results in the play-off round. The Champions League last 16 lineup now includes six English clubs alongside Spanish and German contenders.
The three clubs advanced with varied performances yet secured the results needed to move into next month’s knockout stage draw.
Newcastle cruise past Qarabag with big aggregate win
Newcastle United completed their progression with a 3-2 home win against Qarabag to secure a dominant 9-3 aggregate result. The tie had been effectively settled in Azerbaijan last week when Newcastle led 5-0 at halftime and won 6-1.
Early goals settle the match
Sandro Tonali scored early after a rebound and Joelinton finished a cross from Harvey Barnes inside six minutes. Coach Eddie Howe rotated his squad, leaving first-leg standout Anthony Gordon on the bench, and later expressed frustration at the second-half performance which he described as lacking intensity.
Qarabag restore pride
Qarabag had upset Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the competition. They pulled two goals back through Camilo Duran and a penalty rebound converted by Elvin Jafarguliyev. Sven Botman headed in Newcastle’s third goal between Qarabag’s strikes.
The Azeri champions set an unwanted record after conceding 30 goals this season in the competition. Newcastle now await either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.
Sorloth hat-trick sends Atletico
through Atletico Madrid reached the last 16 after a confident 4-1 win over Club Brugge, securing a 7-4 aggregate victory. Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth delivered a standout performance with a clinical hat-trick at the Metropolitano.
Atletico respond under pressure
Brugge equalised through Joel Ordonez after Sorloth’s opener and threatened again before halftime. Atletico regained control through a powerful strike by Johnny Cardoso.
Sorloth added two more late goals following assists from Ademola Lookman and Matteo Ruggeri. The striker now has 15 goals across all competitions this season.
Simeone focuses on next stage
Coach Diego Simeone praised Sorloth’s form and said the club will wait to see whether they face Liverpool or Tottenham in the next round. He emphasised the importance of reaching the last 16 again.
Leverkusen advance after goalless draw with Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen secured passage to the last 16 after a 0-0 home draw against Olympiacos, completing a 2-0 aggregate win. Although below their usual level, the German club controlled the tie after their first-leg success.
Leverkusen frustrated with performance
Captain Robert Andrich said the team lacked energy and speed, noting that only the clean sheet was a positive. Jonas Hofmann added that coach Kasper Hjulmand would not be satisfied with the overall performance.
Olympiacos fall short despite motivation
Olympiacos rested key players in the domestic league to focus on progressing in Europe. Their owner Evangelos Marinakis had reportedly promised a major financial reward if they reached the last 16.
Leverkusen nearly scored through Alejandro Grimaldo who struck the crossbar. The hosts lost Lucas Vazquez to injury late in the game.
Leverkusen will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next round.
Conclusion:
The Champions League last 16 field continues to take shape after decisive results across Europe. Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Leverkusen now prepare for significantly tougher tests in next month’s knockout phase.
