Anthony Gordon’s historic four-goal first-half performance led Newcastle United to a dominant 6-1 away win over Qarabag, setting a new club record for their largest Champions League victory.
Anthony Gordon scored four first-half goals as Newcastle United secured a record-breaking 1-6 victory over Qarabag in their Champions League playoff first leg.
The Magpies raced to a 5-0 halftime lead, generating a record 4.5 expected goals (xG) in the opening 45 minutes. Jacob Murphy added a sixth after the break to nearly certain a spot in the last 16.
Manager Eddie Howe praised the 2,000 traveling fans, stating, “Hopefully we can do them proud,” before his side delivered Newcastle’s biggest ever Champions League win.
Despite missing seven first-team regulars, United dominated with seven English players in the starting lineup. Gordon’s haul made him only the third Newcastle player to score a Champions League hat-trick after Alan Shearer and Tino Asprilla.