Anthony Gordon returned to the side on Wednesday evening as Newcastle United took on Qarabag FK.
A crucial match as United wants to reach the last sixteen of the Champions League.
United away against Qarabag FK, who had won two and drawn 2-2 against Chelsea in their four home games in the Swiss league phase, and had also won at Benfica.
Eddie Howe’s team took the lead with three minutes.
A beautiful 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 brilliant header from Trippier’s cross.
United could have reached double figures in the first half, but had to make do with ‘only’ five.
What a Champions League night for Anthony Gordon!
The former Everton man scored a further three goals and had four goals at half-time, although it could have been six for the winger/sometime striker.
The Newcastle United star was named Player of the Match.
While the UEFA Technical Observer Group explains why: Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been named Player of the Match. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said: “He was chosen not only for scoring four goals, but also for his movement and quick runs behind Qarabağ’s defence. He could even have increased his score if the home goalkeeper had not made some excellent saves.”
On a bizarre evening it ended between Gordon and the home goalkeeper, to reward the man of the match. The hosts were awarded a consolation goal after the break and Qarabag’s keeper was beaten only once as Murphy’s shot went past him.
The home goalkeeper had no fewer than 14 shots on target, out of a total of 22 NUFC shots.
Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6 – Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:45 PM
Match statistics
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 3, 32 pen, 33, 45+1 pen, Thiaw 8, Jacob Murphy 72
Arab FK:
Ceferguliyev 54
Possess was Newcastle 58% Qarabag FK 42%
Total shots come Newcastle 22 Qarabag FK 8
Shots on target come Newcastle 14 Qarabag FK 2
Corners come Newcastle 6 Qarabag FK 8
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 39 Qarabag FK 20
Newcastle team at 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 subtitles:
Ramsdale, Harris, Ruddy, Alex Murphy, Shahar
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