KEY POINTS
- Anthony Gordon scored four goals during a dominant first half in Baku.
- Newcastle United secured a 6-1 victory in the Champions League play-off.
- The Magpies moved closer to a spot in the tournament’s last 16.
Newcastle United delivered a masterclass performance in Azerbaijan on Wednesday evening. They dismantled Qarabag with a convincing 6-1 victory away from home. The result puts the English club on the edge of the knockout stages. Anthony Gordon stole the spotlight with an incredible individual display.
The winger scored four goals before the referee blew the halftime whistle. His performance broke several long-standing records for the Tyneside club. Gordon moved past Alan Shearer’s record for European goals in one season. He now has ten goals in the current continental campaign.
The match began at a frantic pace for the visiting side. Newcastle found the back of the net after only three minutes. Gordon finished a precise move to give his team an early lead. This goal immediately settled any nerves for the traveling supporters.
Malick Thiaw doubled the advantage just five minutes later. The defender rose highest to head home a well-placed cross. Qarabag struggled to contain the speed of the Newcastle attackers. The home defense appeared overwhelmed by the constant pressure.
Gordon continued his scoring spree around the thirty-minute mark. He converted a penalty after a handball in the box. Moments later, he seized on a defensive error to score again. This third goal secured the first hat-trick of his senior career.
The young forward added a fourth goal just before the break. He won another penalty after being fouled by the opposing goalkeeper. Gordon calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Newcastle held a five-goal lead at the end of the half.
The second half saw a slight shift in the match’s tempo. Qarabag fought back to find a consolation goal early on. Elvin Cafarquliyev scored for the hosts following a video assistant referee review. This goal gave the local fans something to celebrate briefly.
However, Newcastle remained in complete control of the contest. They managed the game effectively to prevent any further defensive lapses. Jacob Murphy added a sixth goal for the Magpies later in the half. His strike confirmed the joint-biggest European win in the club’s history.
The team covered over two thousand miles to reach the stadium. This journey marked the longest distance for an English team in this competition. Despite the travel, the players showed high energy and intensity. Eddie Howe’s tactical plan worked perfectly throughout the entire match.
Newcastle now returns home with a five-goal advantage for the second leg. They will host the return fixture at St. James’ Park next Tuesday. The team looks almost certain to progress to the round of 16. Potential opponents in the next round include Barcelona or Chelsea.
This victory signals a major step forward for the club. They have adapted well to the demands of elite European football. Fans across the world praised the team’s clinical finishing in Baku. Gordon’s rise as a top-tier European scorer remains a key storyline.
The squad will now shift their focus back to domestic league duties. They carry significant momentum into their upcoming weekend fixtures. A deep run in this tournament seems increasingly possible for Newcastle. The players look determined to write their own history this season.
