qarabag fk vs newcastle: Anthony Gordon breaks Shearer’s Champions League record
Anthony Gordon produced a ruthless attacking display as Newcastle sealed a 6-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie in Azerbaijan. The forward scored four times and converted a penalty to take his Champions League tally to 10 goals for the club, surpassing the previous mark held by a Newcastle legend.
Gordon’s landmark night — four goals and a penalty seizure
Gordon opened the scoring and never really let the tie settle. He completed a hat-trick and then grabbed a fourth, while also insisting on taking the spot-kick he had earned after a foul in the box. The determination to take the penalty — even when team-mates suggested alternatives — echoed an old-school striker’s single-mindedness and underlined Gordon’s appetite for responsibility in big moments.
After the match he reflected on the team dynamic and his role up front, noting that he wants to maximise his scoring contribution and help push the side through the knockout stages. His clinical finishing and movement caused constant problems for the home side’s defence, and his night will be remembered not just for the four-goal haul but for the record milestone that came with it: more Champions League goals for Newcastle than any player in the club’s history.
How Qarabag’s setup played into Newcastle’s hands
The Azerbaijan champions opted for a high defensive line in the first half, a choice that left them exposed to Newcastle’s pace and forward runs. The space afforded to Gordon, who was deployed more centrally and allowed to run in behind the defence, proved particularly dangerous. Observers noted the surprising tactical generosity; by the time Qarabag dropped deeper and tried to reorganise in the second half, the damage had already been done.
Newcastle’s pressing from the front also created turnovers and quick transitions, allowing the attacking quartet to exploit gaps between the lines. The plan to use Gordon higher up the pitch had paid off in recent away fixtures and was executed to devastating effect here. Qarabag had previously shown form against strong continental opponents, but on this night they struggled to contain the tempo and directness of their visitors.
Implications for the tie and Newcastle’s Champions League campaign
The 6-1 scoreline hands Newcastle a commanding advantage heading into the second leg, but it also sends a clear message about their attacking options. Gordon’s emergence as a reliable scorer in the competition gives the manager tactical flexibility — a player who can operate centrally, press fiercely and finish chances in high volume.
Surpassing the club’s previous Champions League scoring benchmark is significant for both player and club. It cements Gordon’s status among the current crop of forwards and raises expectations for how he will be used in Europe's premier competition. For the tie itself, the result means Qarabag will need an exceptional performance in the return leg to overturn a five-goal deficit; Newcastle, meanwhile, can approach the second match with the comfort of a large margin while still seeking to manage legs and fitness as the domestic schedule continues.
Ultimately, this was a statement night: a dominant team performance built around a forward in red-hot form, and a personal landmark that reinforces Newcastle’s attacking credentials on the continental stage.
