Eddie Howe sets new Champions League record after Newcastle win

Eddie Howe has etched his name into Champions League history after guiding Newcastle United to a 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabag and propelling the Magpies into the competition’s Round of 16 for the first time. The emphatic win not only secured Newcastle’s place among Europe’s elite but also saw Howe become the first English manager to claim six victories in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing the previous benchmark of five set by Bobby Robson with Newcastle in 2002-03 and matched by Graham Potter with Chelsea last season.

Newcastle’s path to the knockout phase was sealed with Tuesday’s second-leg triumph, capping a dominant display across the two ties. Howe, however, admitted his side’s intensity dipped after racing into a 2-0 lead on the night. “We didn’t intend to come off the pedal, but it was sort of the natural reaction,” he said. “In the second half the game became end-to-end, which for us was a real shame. We extended too much energy and didn’t put pressure on their goal, so we’re disappointed with that 45 minutes.”

The manager was quick to praise the St. James’ Park faithful, whose Wor Flags display lit up the stadium. “Amazing support,” Howe added. “Big thank-you to everyone that thought of that idea. It’s much appreciated—the love the supporters give me and the team means everything.”

Newcastle now await Friday’s draw, where they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last 16. No English manager has lifted the European Cup since Joe Fagan guided Liverpool to glory in 1984, and Howe’s record-breaking run has reignited hopes that the long drought could soon end.