Anthony Gordon scored four goals as Newcastle United dominated Qarabağ 6-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off in Baku. The visitors led 5-0 at half-time, with Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also finding the net. Gordon's performance saw him become Newcastle's all-time top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.
Newcastle United secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Qarabağ in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off on February 18, 2026, at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. This marked the first time both teams had reached the knockout stages of the competition, with Qarabağ becoming the first Azerbaijani side to advance from the league phase.
The match began with Newcastle asserting early dominance. In the third minute, Dan Burn played a through ball to Anthony Gordon, who finished low past goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski to open the scoring. Five minutes later, Kieran Trippier's curling cross was headed in by Malick Thiaw at the back post, making it 2-0.
Newcastle's pressure continued, leading to a penalty after a VAR review for handball by Matheus Silva on Harvey Barnes' shot. Gordon converted from the spot to make it 3-0. Shortly after, Gordon completed his hat-trick in the 33rd minute by rounding Kochalski following a defensive error by Kevin Medina. Before half-time, Gordon earned and scored another penalty after being fouled by Kochalski, sending Newcastle into the break 5-0 ahead.
Qarabağ showed more composure in the second half and pulled one back when Elvin Jafarquliyev rifled a shot past Nick Pope. Substitute Jacob Murphy restored the five-goal lead in the 72nd minute with a deflected long-range effort. Newcastle had 22 shots and limited Qarabağ to few chances, with Kochalski making several saves to prevent a larger defeat.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his team's first-half performance, stating, "That's as good as we have played in a long time." He highlighted Gordon's pressing and attitude off the ball, noting the forward could have scored more. Gordon was named Player of the Match and overtook Alan Shearer as Newcastle's top Champions League scorer with 10 goals.
The result gives Newcastle a strong advantage ahead of the second leg at St James' Park on February 24, 2026. Both teams had won their domestic matches prior: Newcastle 3-1 at Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Qarabağ 1-0 against Imisli.
