Anthony Gordon returned to the team on Wednesday night, as Newcastle United took on Qarabag FK.
A vital game as United look to reach the Champions League last 16.
United away to Qarabag FK who in the Swiss League stage had won two and draw 2-2 against Chelsea in the four home matches, as well as winning away at Benfica.
With three minutes Eddie Howe’s side were ahead.
A superb Dan Burn through ball with the outside of his left boot, Anthony Gordon a quality finish.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Malick Thiaw produced a great header from Trippier’s cross.
United could have had double figures in the first half but had to make do with ‘just’ the five.
What a Champions League night for Anthony Gordon!
The former Everton player scoring another three goals to have four by half-time, though it could have been half a dozen for the winger/sometimes striker.
The Newcastle United star named Player of the Match.
With the UEFA Technical Observer Group explaining why: ‘Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been named Player of the Match. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said: “He was chosen not only for having scored four goals, but also because of his movement and darting runs behind the Qarabağ defence. He could even have added to his tally were it not for some outstanding saves from the home goalkeeper.’
On a bizarre night, it ended up between Gordon and the home keeper, for that man of the match award. The hosts getting a consolation goal after the break and the Qarabag keeper beaten only once, as Murphy’s shot deflected past him.
The home goalkeeper facing an astonishing 14 shots on target, from a total of 22 NUFC shots.
Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6 – Wednesday 18 February 2026 5.45pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 3, 32 pen, 33, 45+1 pen, Thiaw 8, Jacob Murphy 72
Qarabag FK:
Ceferquliyev 54
Possession was Newcastle 58% Qarabag FK 42%
Total shots were Newcastle 22 Qarabag FK 8
Shots on target were Newcastle 14 Qarabag FK 2
Corners were Newcastle 6 Qarabag FK 8
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 39 Qarabag FK 20
Newcastle team v Qarabag FK:
Pope, Trippier (Joelinton 77), Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Willock (Ramsey 68), Barnes (Neave 87), Elanga (Jacob Murphy 68), Gordon (Osula 68), Woltemade
Unused Subs:
Ramsdale, Harris, Ruddy, Alex Murphy, Shahar