Anthony Gordon produced a career-defining performance with four goals as Newcastle United demolished Qarabağ 6-1 in their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg in Azerbaijan.
The English winger was in sensational form at the Azərsun Arena, tearing apart the Azerbaijani champions’ defense with a masterclass of finishing that has all but secured Newcastle’s passage to the Champions League group stage.
Gordon opened the scoring early before adding three more goals throughout the match, showcasing the clinical edge and confidence that has made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents. His four-goal haul represents a historic individual achievement in what was a comprehensive team performance from the Magpies.
Newcastle’s attacking prowess was on full display as they exploited gaps in Qarabağ’s defense with pace, precision, and movement that overwhelmed the home side. Two other Newcastle players also found the net in the rout, contributing to a scoreline that reflects the English club’s dominance throughout the 90 minutes.
Qarabağ managed a consolation goal but were otherwise outclassed by a Newcastle side playing with the swagger and quality expected of a team with Champions League ambitions. The Azerbaijani champions, despite their home advantage and passionate support, simply had no answer to Newcastle’s relentless attacking play.
The 6-1 away victory gives Newcastle an enormous advantage heading into the second leg at St. James’ Park, where they will need only to avoid a catastrophic collapse to confirm their place in the group stage draw. Manager Eddie Howe will be delighted with both the result and the commanding performance.
Gordon’s four-goal heroics will undoubtedly make headlines across Europe and enhance his growing reputation as one of England’s brightest attacking talents. The performance also demonstrates Newcastle’s credentials as serious contenders in the Champions League this season.
For Qarabağ, the heavy defeat leaves them facing the almost impossible task of overturning a five-goal deficit in the return leg, though they can take some pride in having scored an away goal that could prove valuable if they manage an unlikely comeback.
Newcastle United’s emphatic statement in Baku sends a clear message to potential group stage opponents: the Magpies are back among Europe’s elite and possess the firepower to trouble any team in the competition.