Key Takeaways:
- Newcastle United thrashed Qarabag 6-1 last night, securing their joint-largest margin of victory in European competition
- Anthony Gordon netted four goals, taking his Champions League tally to 10 this season
- The Magpies are now on the cusp of their first-ever UEFA Champions League Round of 16 appearance
Match Overview
Newcastle United produced a clinical display as they demolished Qarabag 6-1 during their UEFA Champions League play-off, marking their joint-biggest European win. The comprehensive away victory now puts them on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the competition for the very first time.
Despite concerns surrounding the intense 2,529-mile journey to Baku – the furthest an English team has travelled for a Champions League away tie – as well as squad injuries and travel fatigue, Eddie Howe’s side delivered an emphatic performance in Azerbaijan, putting the tie beyond doubt before the interval.
A special night in Baku! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ozl3dP4MlL
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 18, 2026
First-Half Onslaught
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in under three minutes, latching onto Dan Burn’s incisive pass to finish beyond Mateusz Kochalski. Newcastle doubled the lead by the 10th minute, when Malick Thiaw powered home a header from Kieran Trippier’s cross, underlining the visitors’ intent early on.
The hosts were kept in contention temporarily by a string of saves from Kochalski, who thwarted efforts from Gordon and Harvey Barnes. However, Qarabag’s resistance finally crumbled after Matheus Silva handled Barnes’ shot in the box, leading to Gordon coolly converting from the spot for his second of the evening.
Momentum remained with the Magpies as Gordon secured his hat-trick less than a minute later, capitalising on a lapse from Kevin Medina before guiding the ball neatly into the net. Qarabag’s woes deepened on the brink of half-time when Kochalski brought down Gordon in the area, conceding a second penalty.
Gordon’s Landmark and Tense Moments
There was a moment of tension among Newcastle players, as Gordon insisted on taking the penalty rather than allowing Joe Willock the opportunity, despite queries from captain Kieran Trippier. Gordon made no mistake, notching his fourth of the night and moving to 10 Champions League goals this campaign, behind only Kylian Mbappe.
Second Half and Notable Statistics
After the restart, Newcastle visibly reduced their tempo, which allowed Elvin Cafarguliyev to strike back for Qarabag with a sharp finish from a tight angle. This goal briefly energised the hosts, and Nick Pope was tested by a powerful drive from Joni Montiel, although he remained untroubled overall.
The visitors soon reasserted control, as substitute Jacob Murphy extended the lead to 6-1 with a deflected shot from distance, quelling any idea of a Qarabag revival. Newcastle professionally managed the remainder of the contest, sealing a third successive away victory in all competitions. Remarkably, it was only their third win in 16 European away fixtures.
For Qarabag, the defeat marked their sixth winless performance from the last seven outings in all competitions. With the second leg set for St. James’ Park next Tuesday, their prospects of overturning the heavy deficit and continuing their 2025/26 Champions League journey look minimal.
Man of the Match and Next Steps
Anthony Gordon was awarded the Flashscore Man of the Match honour for his four-goal display. Newcastle United will welcome Qarabag to St. James’ Park next Tuesday, holding a commanding aggregate lead as they aim to secure a historic Round of 16 berth.
