England forward Anthony Gordon scores four goals to inspire Newcastle United to a dominant Champions League play‑off victory in Baku
Newcastle United put themselves firmly in the driving seat for a place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 following a stunning 6–1 win over Qarabag in the first leg of their playoff tie on Wednesday. The match took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.
England international Anthony Gordon was the standout performer. He scored four goals in the first half, putting Newcastle well ahead before the interval. His strike tally included two penalties and two superb open‑play finishes.
Newcastle’s dominance began early. Gordon opened the scoring in the third minute after a quick counter‑attack. Defender Malick Thiaw added a second goal from a header shortly after to make it 2–0 inside the first ten minutes.
Newcastle looked sharp from the start, and Gordon was central to everything.
He scored his second goal from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after a handball was given by VAR. Just a minute later, he pounced on a defensive mistake to fire home his third.
Before half‑time, Gordon secured his fourth with another spot‑kick. This put Newcastle 5–0 up at the break — a remarkable lead in European competition and one rarely seen in Champions League knockout play.
In the second half, Qarabag got a consolation goal from Elvin Cafarquliyev. But the home side could not stem the flow. Jacob Murphy added Newcastle’s sixth with a late strike following a deflection.
Gordon’s performance was truly historic. He became just the second player ever to score four goals in the first half of a Champions League game. He is also the first to do so in a knockout stage match of this competition.
His tally now stands at 10 goals in this season’s Champions League, making him one of the tournament’s top scorers. Among English players, only Harry Kane has scored more in a single campaign, with 11.
The England winger also set a new club benchmark. He surpassed previous Newcastle European goal records, placing his name alongside some of the club’s legends.
Newcastle’s aggressive pressing unsettled Qarabag from the start. The away side kept a high tempo and moved the ball quickly. They created numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes, leaving Qarabag chasing shadows.
Malick Thiaw’s early goal lifted confidence in the Newcastle ranks. His header came from a well‑placed cross by full‑back Kieran Trippier, showcasing the team’s set‑piece strength.
Gordon’s penalties were calm and assured. His first spot‑kick was placed low, beating the goalkeeper to the keeper’s right. The second was struck with composure into the opposite corner, sealing his quartet.
Murphy’s goal in the 72nd minute capped the scoring. His effort took a slight deflection past the Qarabag goalkeeper.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his players after the match. He said the team showed “great intensity, belief and clarity in attack.” Overcoming injury issues earlier in the season, Howe stated that this result was a morale boost as they chase success in both Europe and domestic competitions.
Players took to social media to share their delight with fans after the emphatic victory. Many supporters celebrated Gordon’s performance and the strong team display in Azerbaijan.
Qarabag struggled to cope with Newcastle’s pace and precision. Their defence was stretched frequently in the first half, and they failed to mount significant pressure on the visitors’ goal.
The home crowd briefly erupted when Cafarquliyev scored in the 56th minute. However, that moment did little to shift momentum. Qarabag’s attack remained sporadic, and they could not break Newcastle’s rhythm.
With a 5‑goal advantage heading into the second leg, Newcastle are now heavy favourites to reach the Champions League last 16. Their return match will take place on Tuesday, February 24, at St James’ Park in England.
Should they progress, they could face elite opponents such as Chelsea or Barcelona — adding further excitement to their European campaign.
Match statistics at a glance
- Final score: Qarabag 1–6 Newcastle United (Champions League play‑off, 1st leg)
- Goals:
• Anthony Gordon 3’, 32’ (pen), 33’, 45+1’ (pen)
• Malick Thiaw 8’
• Elvin Cafarquliyev 56’ (Qarabag)
• Jacob Murphy 72’ - Competition: UEFA Champions League knockout playoff first leg
- Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
This win marks Newcastle’s largest European victory away from home and gives them a commanding lead ahead of the tie’s second leg.
