Qarabag 1–6 Newcastle: Anthony Gordon Hits Four as Magpies Dominate in Champions League

Newcastle United delivered a statement performance in Baku, dismantling FK Qarabag 6–1 at the Tofiq Bəhramov Republican Stadium to seize full control of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie.

It was not just a victory. It was a message.

Anthony Gordon produced a historic display, becoming the first Newcastle player to score four goals in a single half of a Champions League match and he did it all before the interval. An unforgettable European night unfolded under the Azerbaijani lights.

Just minutes into the contest, the 24-year-old opened the scoring and never looked back. By half-time, Gordon had netted four times including two penalties and shattered Alan Shearer’s long-standing club record for most Newcastle goals in European competition. A record many believed would stand untouched.

Gordon’s evening began in electric fashion with a lightning-fast opener inside the opening three minutes, setting the tone for a relentless first half from Eddie Howe’s side.

By the break, the Magpies had already put the tie beyond serious doubt.

Goals:

• Anthony Gordon (3′, 32′ pen, 33′, 45+1′ pen)

• Malick Thiaw (8′)

• Jacob Murphy (72′)

Elvin Cafarquliyev (54′) briefly gave Qarabag something to cheer after the restart, but it was merely a consolation in a game that had long since slipped away.

Five-Goal First Half, Newcastle scoring five goals in the opening 45 minutes of a Champions League knockout match is a rare feat in modern European football.

Gordon Breaks Shearer’s Record! The winger’s quadruple crown now places him at the top of Newcastle’s all-time European scoring charts surpassing club legend Alan Shearer.

Clinical and Ruthless:

Every defensive error from Qarabag was punished. Newcastle were merciless in transition and relentless in attack, especially down the flanks.

Tie All But Sealed:

With a five-goal advantage heading into the second leg at St James’ Park, Newcastle are firmly in control and overwhelming favourites to progress.

Eddie Howe’s men played with confidence, precision and purpose particularly in the final third. Gordon will rightly claim the headlines, but this was a complete team performance. Thiaw’s composure and Murphy’s late strike underlined the collective dominance.

If Newcastle replicate even a fraction of this intensity back on home soil, their place in the Champions League last 16 is virtually secured.

A historic night in Baku.

A statement to Europe.

The Magpies have truly arrived.