Anthony Gordon produced a remarkable four-goal display as Newcastle United swept aside Qarabag in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium.
Anthony Gordon produced a remarkable four-goal display as Newcastle United swept aside Qarabag in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium.
Before kickoff, head coach Eddie Howe had spoken about creating moments that would live long in the memory, and his players delivered emphatically with the club’s largest victory in the competition. Qarabag had previously held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw and beaten Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Copenhagen, yet they struggled to cope with Newcastle’s intensity and speed.
The breakthrough arrived inside two minutes. Gordon latched onto a precise pass from advancing centre-back Dan Burn and calmly guided the ball beyond goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski into the corner.
The visitors doubled their lead soon after when Kieran Trippier’s inviting delivery was met at the far post by Malick Thiaw, whose header left the home side reeling.
Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov attempted to reorganise his team during a stoppage, but the momentum remained firmly with the English side.
Newcastle were awarded their first penalty after Harvey Barnes’ effort struck the arm of Matheus Silva as he slid in to block. Following a VAR review, referee Espen Eskas consulted the pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot. Kochalski guessed correctly and got a hand to the shot, yet Gordon’s strike still found the net.
Moments later, Gordon capitalised on slack defending by Kevin Medina immediately after the restart, rounding Kochalski to extend the lead further.
Before the interval, a second penalty was given when Kochalski brought down the England international in the area. Once again the goalkeeper anticipated the direction, but Gordon’s forceful attempt proved unstoppable, sealing his fourth of the night.
Qarabag responded after the break, with Elvin Cafarquliyev scoring from a narrow angle to give the home supporters something to cheer.
However, Newcastle quickly reasserted control. Substitute Jacob Murphy added another with a long-range effort that took a deflection, restoring the five-goal cushion ahead of next week’s return match at St. James’ Park.
Gordon’s determination was evident throughout. Even after completing his hat trick, he insisted on taking the second penalty rather than allowing Nick Woltemade to step up, prompting an exchange of words with stand-in captain Trippier as they left the pitch at halftime.
Newcastle finished with 22 attempts, 14 on target, and 39 touches inside the opposition penalty area. Despite Kochalski producing several notable saves, the visitors still registered six goals. With a commanding advantage secured, Howe can consider changes for the second leg, though Gordon, now on ten goals in this season’s competition, may yet seek to add to his tally.
