Here’s why Sunderland should be quietly happy with Newcastle’s big Champions League win vs Qarabag
Newcastle have all but secured their spot in the Champions League round of 16.
Eddie Howe’s side secured a 6-1 win against Qarabag in the first play-off leg, with Anthony Gordon netting a hat-trick in Azerbaijan.
Sunderland sit just a place behind their arch rivals in the Premier League on goal difference, with a crucial run of fixtures coming ahead of the season’s second derby on 22 March.
Regis Le Bris’ side won the first Wear-Tyne derby this season at the Stadium of Light. The second could have a huge impact on the race for European football, with both sides from the North East in the hunt.
Even with the clash over a month away, Sunderland have been handed a big boost as they look to do the double over Newcastle.
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Newcastle’s Champions League progression turns derby into banana skin
Missing out on an automatic spot in the round of 16, Newcastle’s 12th-place finish in the league phase of the Champions League saw them set for two play-off legs against Qarabag.
The new bracket format of the competition also gave Howe’s side an inkling of who they would face should progression be secured.
With first leg ties set to be played on 10/11 March, Newcastle will host either Chelsea or Barcelona, before they play out the second leg away from home a week later, with the derby against Sunderland to take place on 22 March.
Both sides remain in the FA Cup, but Newcastle will have to play three additional fixtures between now and then.
And while they could be playing a fellow Premier League side in Chelsea, a high intensity trip knockout clash in the week of the derby is something that could hand Sunderland a huge boost.
Newcastle will find out whether they will face Chelsea or Barcelona on Friday 27 Februay.
Another derby win could make European difference for Sunderland
Sunderland have adapted to Premie League life seamlessly following their ascent last May, and have jumped into the European race as a result.
The Black Cats’ form has dipped as of late, with just two league wins in 2026 thus far, but the fixture list begins to look up after a tough double header against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Ahead of the derby, Sunderland face Fulham, Bournemouth, Leeds and Brighton, while they are waiting to find out whether they will face Bristol City or Port Vale in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Eighth place will likely come with a Conference League spot this term – both Sunderland and Newcastle sit just a point away.
The derby in March could have huge implications on this race, and Sunderland have been handed a big boost.
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