UCL: Newcastle Blazes Past Qarabag with Gordon's Quadruple

Gordon's four as Newcastle thromps Qarabag 6-1 in UCL 

Newcastle United cruises to 6-1 win over Qarabag with Anthony Gordon's four-goal haul, putting them near Champions League last 16.

Newcastle regrouped and extended their lead through Jacob Murphy's deflected shot from outside the box...

Newcastle United secured a commanding 6-1 win over Qarabag in the Champions League play-off first leg, putting them on the cusp of their first-ever Round of 16 appearance. Anthony Gordon led the charge with four stunning goals in the first half, while Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also got on the scoresheet.

The victory marks Newcastle's joint-largest win in European competition, and it's all the more impressive considering they traveled 2,529 miles to Baku, the longest distance an English team has ever traveled for a Champions League away match. Despite concerns about fatigue and injuries, Eddie Howe's side dominated from the start, with Gordon scoring in the third minute and Thiaw adding a second in the eighth.

Newcastle dominate in Baku 😮👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/NkD3b739GA

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2026

Gordon's four-goal haul included two penalties, and he became the second player in Champions League history to score four goals in the first half of a game. Newcastle's attacking prowess was on full display, with 22 shots and 58% possession, while Qarabag struggled to cope with their pace and precision.

Newcastle United made a strong start, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes against Preston North End. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, running onto Dan Burn's through ball and firing past Mateusz Kochalski. The visitors extended their lead through Malick Thiaw, who headed home Kieran Trippier's cross, giving Eddie Howe's team control of the game.

The quick goals set the tone for the match, with Newcastle dominating possession and creating chances. Preston North End struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Newcastle attack. The hosts looked comfortable in their lead, with Gordon and Thiaw causing problems for the visitors' defense.

Mateusz Kochalski's last-gasp saves kept Qarabag in the game, denying Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, but Newcastle still dominated. Gordon scored Newcastle's third from a penalty after Matheus Silva handled Barnes' shot, and he doubled his tally with a confident finish from 12 yards.

Newcastle's attack was relentless, and Gordon's performance was exceptional. He scored four goals in the first half, including two penalties, and became the second player in Champions League history to achieve this feat.

Anthony Gordon's impressive performance continued as he sealed a hat-trick just 60 seconds later, capitalizing on Kevin Medina's mistake and slotting the ball into the corner. Qarabag's nightmare first half ended with another penalty, this time after Mateusz Kochalski brought down Gordon as the last man.

Gordon's four-goal haul in the first half has put Newcastle in a commanding position, with a 6-1 lead over Qarabag. The match is being played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, with Newcastle set to face Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16 if they secure their place.

Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier had a tense moment when Gordon refused to let Joe Willock take a penalty, wanting to score his fourth goal instead. Gordon's quadruple took him to 10 UCL goals this season, putting him second only to Kylian Mbappe.

Newcastle eased off after the break, and Qarabag capitalized with a consolation goal from Elvin Cafarguliyev's tight-angle strike. The home team gained confidence, testing Nick Pope with Joni Montiel's fierce effort.

Newcastle regrouped and extended their lead through Jacob Murphy's deflected shot from outside the box, effectively ending Qarabag's chances of a miraculous comeback. The Magpies then cruised to a comfortable win, finishing the game 6-1 up.

⚽ Four goals
🏆 POTM
👏 Anthony Gordon #UCL | #POTM pic.twitter.com/Zh8sgcntKu

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2026

Newcastle's 6-1 win puts them in a great position for the Champions League last 16, having won three away games on the bounce. This was their third European away win in 16 attempts, showing improvement under Eddie Howe.

Qarabag's struggles continue - they've won just one of seven games, and despite a second leg at St. James' Park, their UCL journey seems done.