Anthony Gordon Champions League performance on 18 February 2026 produced one of the most memorable nights in Newcastle United history, as the England international scored four first-half goals to lead the Magpies to a commanding 6–1 victory against Qarabağ FK in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off clash. His record-breaking display not only propelled his team toward the Champions League last 16, but also etched his name into Newcastle’s European history books.
Played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, Newcastle’s triumph was built around Gordon’s extraordinary attacking flair, ruthless finishing, and tactical intelligence. From the very start, the 24-year-old forward set the tone, meeting a defence-splitting through ball inside three minutes to open the scoring with a composed finish past Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
Just five minutes later, central defender Malick Thiaw doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Kieran Trippier corner, giving Newcastle a commanding early advantage. From that moment on, Gordon began to exert complete control.
A Historic First-Half Blitz — Gordon Goes to Another Level
Gordon’s second goal arrived in the 32nd minute when he calmly converted a penalty after a handball was spotted by VAR. Seconds later, he completed his hat-trick in stunning fashion, intercepting a defensive error and racing past defenders before firing past Kochalski. In stoppage time before the break, he added a fourth goal from the penalty spot, taking his Champions League goal tally for the season to 10 and surpassing legendary club great Alan Shearer to become Newcastle’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League.
This remarkable haul also saw Gordon join an elite group of players. He became only the second player in UEFA Champions League history to score four goals in a single half — a feat previously achieved by Luiz Adriano for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014 — and is one of only a handful of Englishmen to ever score four in a Champions League match, alongside Harry Kane.
Newcastle’s attacking performance was amongst the most dominant seen in Europe this season. According to statistical data, Newcastle generated over 5.4 expected goals (xG), illustrating the sheer quality and volume of scoring opportunities created throughout the match.
Second Half Seals the Outcome
After halftime, Qarabag managed to pull a consolation goal through Elvin Jafarguliyev, but the result was never in doubt. The Magpies closed the match out with a late strike from Jacob Murphy, whose deflected effort sealed the emphatic victory and made the scoreline 6–1 in Newcastle’s favour.
Manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for his team’s performance, highlighting Gordon’s pressing and work off the ball as key elements that set the tone for the evening. This comprehensive win marked Newcastle’s biggest margin of victory in Champions League competition and positioned them well ahead of the return leg at St James’ Park.
Context and Significance of the Result
Newcastle’s European campaign has been noteworthy for its resilience and attacking flair. Despite missing several regular starters, Howe’s side responded to recent domestic criticism with three consecutive away victories across competitions before arriving in Azerbaijan.
What makes Gordon’s performance even more significant is its place within the broader history of English clubs in Europe. Reaching double figures for goals in a single Champions League season places him just behind Harry Kane — the only other Englishman to score as prolifically in Europe’s flagship tournament — and ahead of many established elite forwards.
Looking Forward
With this victory, Newcastle almost certainly has one foot in the Champions League last 16, where they are poised to face another European heavyweight in the next round. Gordon’s phenomenal scoring run has elevated him into continental prominence and demonstrated his value as one of England’s most lethal attacking talents in the 2025/26 season.
For Newcastle fans and football enthusiasts alike, this performance will be remembered as one of the greatest individual and team displays in the club’s European history — a night where Anthony Gordon rewrote the record books and helped carry the Magpies toward further continental success.
