Gordon hits four goals as Newcastle demolish Qarabag in UCL Play-off

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Anthony Gordon delivered a Champions League masterclass on Wednesday, scoring four goals as Newcastle United dismantled Qarabag 6-1 in their UEFA Champions League play-off first leg clash.

The Premier League side needed just three minutes to stamp their authority on the contest. Gordon latched onto a precise pass from Dan Burn and fired a first-time effort into the bottom left corner to give Newcastle an early lead.

Newcastle doubled their advantage in the eighth minute when Malick Thiaw rose highest to head home Kieran Trippier’s inviting cross, putting the visitors firmly in control.

Gordon’s second came from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after a VAR review awarded Newcastle a spot-kick. He calmly converted into the left side of the net. Just a minute later, he struck again in open play, finishing clinically in a one-on-one situation to make it 4-0.

Before half-time, Gordon completed his hat-trick from another penalty, sending goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski the wrong way to give Newcastle a commanding 5-0 lead at the break.

Qarabag briefly threatened a response in the second half and eventually pulled one back through Elvin Cafarquliyev after a VAR check confirmed the goal. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 72nd minute when Jacob Murphy’s deflected strike made it 6-1.

Gordon was substituted to a standing ovation in the 68th minute, having put the tie virtually beyond doubt. With a five-goal cushion heading into the return leg, Newcastle have one foot firmly in the next round.