Newcastle United took a commanding lead in their Champions League playoff tie against Qarabag, winning 6-1 in Azerbaijan. Anthony Gordon scored four goals, including two penalties, as the Premier League side dominated from the start.
The visitors were 4-0 up at half-time after a devastating first-half display. Gordon opened the scoring early, added a second from the spot, and completed his hat-trick before the break. Joe Willock also found the net to put Newcastle in complete control.
Qarabag pulled one back through Elvin Cafarquliyev in the second half, but Jacob Murphy restored Newcastle's five-goal cushion with a deflected effort. Gordon sealed his fourth goal late on to cap a memorable individual performance.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his team's first-half display, calling it 'as good as we have played in a long time'. However, he warned that the tie is not over, with the second leg still to play at St James' Park.
Gordon's four goals moved him second in this season's Champions League scoring charts, behind only Kylian Mbappé. The win puts Newcastle in a strong position to reach the group stage.
