UCL: Newcastle thrash Qarabag 6-1 as Gordon nets four
Anthony Gordon struck four goals as Newcastle United produced a ruthless display to dismantle Qarabag and take firm control of their Champions League last-16 playoff tie. Eddie Howe had challenged
Anthony Gordon struck four goals as Newcastle United produced a ruthless display to dismantle Qarabag and take firm control of their Champions League last-16 playoff tie.
Eddie Howe had challenged his side to turn the occasion into a historic night, and Newcastle delivered in emphatic fashion, recording their biggest-ever win in the competition at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium. Qarabag, who had previously impressed in Europe with strong results including a draw against Chelsea and wins over Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen, were simply overwhelmed by Newcastle’s pace, movement and cutting edge.
Gordon was the standout, causing relentless problems for the Azerbaijani champions and overtaking Alan Shearer to become Newcastle’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League. The England forward opened the scoring inside two minutes, latching onto a through ball from centre-back Dan Burn before finishing calmly into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
Newcastle quickly doubled their advantage when Kieran Trippier’s inviting cross was headed in at the back post by Malick Thiaw. Qarabag coach Gurban Gurbanov tried to regroup his players during a break in play, but the visitors continued to tear through the home defence.
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The Magpies were awarded their first penalty after Harvey Barnes’ shot struck the arm of Matheus Silva in the box. Following a VAR review, referee Espen Eskas pointed to the spot and Gordon powered home, with Kochalski getting a hand to the ball but unable to keep it out.
Gordon completed his hat-trick almost immediately after the restart, capitalising on a defensive error from Kevin Medina before rounding Kochalski to make it 4-0. He then added a fourth just before half-time, converting another penalty after being brought down by the goalkeeper inside the area.
Qarabag showed more fight after the break and pulled one back through Elvin Cafarquliyev from a tight angle, but Newcastle quickly restored their five-goal cushion when substitute Jacob Murphy struck a long-range effort that took a deflection on its way in.
The result leaves Newcastle in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at St James’ Park next week.
