UCL: Gordon bags four as Newcastle United run riot on Qarabag
Anthony Gordon scored four times as Newcastle United dismantled Qarabag to seize control of their Champions League last-16 play-off tie with a one-sided first-leg victory in Baku.
Eddie Howe’s side delivered their biggest-ever win in the competition at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, overwhelming the Azerbaijani champions with clinical finishing.
Gordon leads early onslaught
Gordon needed just two minutes to open the scoring, racing on to a through ball from Dan Burn before finishing low past goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after when Kieran Trippier’s cross found Malick Thiaw at the back post, the defender heading home to cap a dominant opening spell.
Newcastle were awarded a penalty when Matheus Silva handled Harvey Barnes’ effort inside the area.
Following a VAR review, referee Espen Eskas pointed to the spot and Gordon converted, despite Kochalski getting a hand to the ball.
The England forward completed his hat-trick moments later, capitalising on a defensive error by Kevin Medina, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.
A second penalty arrived before the interval after Kochalski fouled Gordon inside the box.
Once again, the winger converted confidently to make it 5-0 before half-time.
Tie firmly in Newcastle’s grasp
Qarabag, who had previously impressed against European opposition this season, struggled to contain Newcastle’s attack.
Although Elvin Cafarquliyev pulled one back after the break, substitute Jacob Murphy restored the five-goal cushion with a deflected strike from distance.
The result leaves Newcastle in pole position ahead of the second leg at St James’ Park next week.
Before that, Howe’s side travel to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Qarabag return to domestic action against Neftci before making the trip to Tyneside for the decisive return fixture.
