With a lopsided first-leg victory in Baku, Newcastle United crushed Qarabag and took control of their Champions League last-16 play-off match thanks to four goals from Anthony Gordon.

With brilliant finishing, Eddie Howe’s team defeated the Azerbaijani champions in the competition’s largest-ever victory at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium.

After only two minutes, Gordon scored the first goal after racing onto a through pass from Dan Burn and finishing low past goalie Mateusz Kochalski.

Shortly after, Kieran Trippier’s cross found Malick Thiaw at the back post, and the defender headed in to complete a commanding first half for the visitors.

When Matheus Silva stopped Harvey Barnes’ attempt inside the box, Newcastle was given a penalty.

Despite Kochalski getting a hand to the ball, Gordon scored when referee Espen Eskas pointed to the spot after a VAR review.

Just a few seconds later, the England forward finished into an empty net after taking advantage of a defensive blunder by Kevin Medina.

Gordon was fouled within the box by Kochalski, who then awarded a second penalty just before halftime.

The winger made it 5-0 before halftime with another solid conversion.

Qarabag, who had performed well this season against European opponents, found it difficult to stop Newcastle’s onslaught.

After halftime, Elvin Cafarquliyev drew one back, but replacement Jacob Murphy’s long-range deflection goal put the team back ahead by five goals.

Newcastle is now leading going into the second leg at St. James’ Park next week as a result of the outcome. Howe’s team will first travel to the Etihad Stadium to play Manchester City.

Before travelling to Tyneside for the pivotal rematch, Qarabag makes his home comeback against Neftci.

Kindly Share

Related Video