Newcastle imposed both territorial and scoring control from the outset. With 58% ball possession against Qarabag’s 42%, the visitors did not merely recycle the ball; they translated that share into constant penetration. Qarabag’s 4-2-3-1 was pushed back, often defending deep, as their 349 total passes (to Newcastle’s 485) show a team more focused on surviving than constructing. Despite being at home, Qarabag rarely dictated where the game was played. Newcastle’s higher pass accuracy (89% vs 84%) and superior volume allowed them to occupy advanced zones and sustain pressure, turning possession into a platform for repeated entries into the box.
Offensive Efficiency
The attacking numbers underline a ruthless, front-foot game plan from Newcastle. They produced 22 total shots to Qarabag’s 8, and crucially 14 shots on goal versus just 2 for the hosts. The shot profile is telling: Newcastle attempted 18 shots inside the box, showing a clear intent to work the ball into high-value areas rather than settling for speculative efforts. Their expected goals of 5.69 aligns with a 6-goal output, reflecting both volume and quality of chances. Corners (6 for Newcastle, 8 for Qarabag) suggest the hosts had some attacking phases, but their xG of only 0.46 exposes how harmless most of their possession and set plays were. Qarabag’s 4 shots inside the box and 4 from outside show a balanced but low-volume attack, never able to sustain pressure. In contrast, Newcastle’s repeated box entries, supported by accurate passing and a fluid 4-2-3-1, overwhelmed the defensive structure and turned dominance into a lopsided scoreline.
Defensive Discipline & Intensity
The game was not especially chaotic or stop-start: both sides committed 10 fouls, and there was just one yellow card, for Newcastle. This points to a controlled, rather than overly aggressive, pressing approach from the visitors. Defensively, Newcastle’s back line and midfield screen limited Qarabag to 2 shots on target, requiring only 1 save from their goalkeeper across 90 minutes. Qarabag’s keeper, by contrast, had to make 8 saves, illustrating the sustained barrage he faced. Blocked shots were similar (5 for Newcastle, 3 for Qarabag), but the context matters: Newcastle were blocking occasional Qarabag efforts, while Qarabag were constantly under siege, forced into last-ditch interventions inside their own area.
Newcastle’s combination of controlled possession, high shot volume (22 total, 14 on target) and premium chance creation (18 shots in the box, xG 5.69) dismantled Qarabag’s more passive 42% possession game. Efficiency and territorial dominance, rather than mere ball retention, defined the visitors’ winning formula.
