In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Newcastle United virtually secured their place in the Champions League group stage with a resounding 6-1 victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the first leg of their play-off tie.
The star of the show was English forward Anthony Gordon, who netted an extraordinary four goals, all in the first half, to dismantle the hosts and put the Magpies in a commanding position ahead of the return leg.
The match exploded into life right from the kickoff in Baku. Newcastle broke the deadlock after just 122 seconds, marking their fastest-ever goal in European competition.
Gordon coolly slotted home from close range following a precise pass from defender Dan Burn, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the ninth minute when German center-back Malick Thiaw rose highest to head in a deep cross from right-back Kieran Trippier, exposing Qarabag’s defensive vulnerabilities early on.
Gordon’s brilliance continued to shine as the half progressed. Shortly after the half-hour mark, he converted a penalty kick awarded for a handball by Qarabag’s Matheus Silva, confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Moments later, displaying his predatory instincts, Gordon intercepted a poor backpass from Kevin Medina during Qarabag’s restart, rounded the stranded keeper Mateusz Kochalski, and tapped into an empty net to complete a rapid hat-trick that left the home crowd stunned.
The drama didn’t end there. In the dying moments of the first half, Gordon drew a foul from Kochalski inside the box, earning another penalty.
Despite captain Trippier requesting to take the spot-kick, perhaps to boost his own confidence, Gordon stepped up and dispatched it with aplomb, making it 5-0 at the break.
His four-goal haul not only highlighted his clinical finishing but also underscored Newcastle’s dominance in possession and pressing.
Qarabag managed a consolation goal early in the second half through Elvin Cafarquliyev, whose effort was initially flagged for offside but correctly awarded after a review, giving the passionate home supporters a brief moment of cheer.
However, Newcastle restored their five-goal cushion late on when substitute Jacob Murphy unleashed a long-range strike that took a wicked deflection before nestling into the net past the helpless Kochalski.
This emphatic win positions Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on the cusp of returning to Europe’s elite club competition, where they last featured prominently in the 2023-24 season.
Gordon’s performance, in particular, will boost his credentials for England’s national team ahead of upcoming internationals.
With the second leg at St. James’ Park looming, Qarabag faces a near-impossible task to overturn the deficit.
Newcastle’s blend of speed, precision, and ruthlessness has sent a strong message to potential group-stage rivals, affirming their ambitions on the continental stage.
