El-Balad reports that the UEFA Champions League play-offs have created an exciting matchup between the Magpies and Qarabağ FK. This draw occurred at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. This will be a significant clash as both teams vie for a spot in the knockout phase.
Match Overview
The Magpies, who ended 12th in their league phase with 14 points from eight matches, will face Qarabağ, a team from the Misli Premyer Liqası in Azerbaijan, which finished 22nd with ten points. This setup makes for an intriguing battle where both teams are eager to progress.
Match Schedule
The knockout phase play-off will be contested over two legs:
- First leg: February 17th or 18th, 2026, at Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.
- Second leg: February 24th or 25th, 2026, at St. James’ Park.
UEFA is expected to announce the definitive match calendar soon, including the specific kick-off times.
Advancing in the Tournament
Teams that succeed in this round will move on to the Champions League round of 16. The draw for this next stage will be conducted on February 27th, 2026.
Ticketing Information
For fans eager to support their teams, ticket details will be released alongside fixture confirmations. Key points for securing a seat include:
- Become a Mags Member to participate in the ballot for tickets.
- Access to matchday hospitality packages will be available once confirmed.
Stay tuned for further updates on ticket availability and match details as the anticipated play-off dates approach.
