"Newcastle played their highest-level match of the season against Qarabag."

According to Offsideplus.az, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe made these remarks during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League playoff second-leg match against Qarabag.

The specialist noted that the team is well-prepared for the upcoming encounter:

"We have prepared well for the Champions League match. This season, we have had many strong performances in the continent’s most prestigious club tournament. We played well against Qarabag away, but for me, it wasn’t just about the result. We fought well from a tactical perspective too. We were very motivated in that match and maintained dominance from start to finish. I believe our highest-level performance this season was specifically against Qarabag."

He also expressed the team's desire to secure another victory in the return leg:

We will select the appropriate starting lineup for tomorrow’s match. Our primary goal is to win. At the same time, it is important for the players to maintain their match rhythm.

The Newcastle vs Qarabag match will take place in England on the night of February 24 to 25, at 00:00. In the first leg held in Baku, the visitors secured a dominant 6-1 victory.