Newcastle United have been handed a favourable tie in the UEFA Champions League play-off round after being drawn against Azerbaijani side Qarabag.
Eddie Howe’s men must navigate a two-legged clash next month to secure a place in the round of 16, where several Premier League rivals — including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham — are already waiting.
The first leg will take place in Baku on February 17 or 18, with the return fixture scheduled for the following week at St James’ Park. Newcastle avoided tougher opponents in the draw and will travel nearly 2,500 miles for the opening match.
Qarabag may be considered underdogs, especially after suffering a heavy defeat to Liverpool earlier in the competition. However, the Azerbaijani champions have shown resilience this season, recording notable wins against Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen, as well as earning a draw against Chelsea.
If Newcastle progress, they will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16, depending on the outcome of a later draw.
Elsewhere, one of the standout ties sees Jose Mourinho’s Benfica drawn against his former club Real Madrid. Benfica edged into the play-offs in dramatic fashion, setting up a high-profile reunion for Mourinho, who will be aiming to derail Madrid’s hopes of extending their record Champions League success.
The winner of that tie will advance to face either Sporting CP or Manchester City in the next round.
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain have been paired with Ligue 1 rivals Monaco, while Atletico Madrid will take on Belgian surprise package Club Brugge.
Other notable play-off fixtures include Olympiacos against Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund facing Atalanta, and Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt earning a blockbuster clash with Inter Milan.
With several heavyweight ties and potential giant-killings on the horizon, the Champions League play-off round promises drama well before the knockout stages officially begin.