Newcastle United learn Champions League play-off fate as draw takes place in Switzerland
If, like me, you were waiting to watch the draw to find out who Newcastle United would get in the Champions League play-off live on TNT Sports at Midday, I have some bad news for you ... you missed it.
Even though the draw was scheduled for TNT Sports 1 at 12pm, the actual draw took place after 11am in Switzerland on TNT Sports 2. Well played, TNT, well played indeed.
We knew that Newcastle would face either Monaco or Qarabag and that the first leg would be an away tie as the seeded teams, of which Newcastle were one, get the benefit of a home tie for the second leg.
PSG would play whichever team Newcastle didn't draw.
Jean, pack me a bag, love, 'moff to Baku!
The draw took place in Switzerland this morning, and Newcastle United will face Azerbaijan side Qarabag.
The first leg will be played in Baku on either Tuesday, 17th or Wednesday, 18th February. That date will be confirmed later today.
The return leg will take place at St James' Park on ,Tuesday or Wednesday the following week.
The travel is a bit more than we'd like, but the level of competition is arguably more favourable
Azerbaijan is quite the trip to be making amid this busy schedule, but Qarabag is arguably the favourable draw for the Magpies.
Liverpool just battered the Azerbaijan side 6-0 on Wednesday night, which isn't exactly an inspiring result when you're heading into a play-off.
They won't be an easy opponent though, they're not in this phase of the competition by luck, they have grafted to be here. It should be an interesting tie.
