Newcastle United recorded their joint-largest victory in European competition, hammering Qarabag 6-1 in the Champions League playoff.
While the 6-1 win was a surreal moment for Newcastle fans, there was more to celebrate. Gordon’s four first-half goals reminded Newcastle fans of Alan Shearer when he scored four vs Sheffield Wednesday in 1999.
⚪️⚫️ Anthony Gordon becomes Newcastle all time top scorer in Champions League.
🆕 Most UCL caps for Newcastle: 𝟏𝟓.
🆕 Fastest goal the club has recorded: 𝟏𝟐𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬.
🆕 Most UCL goals in single Newcastle campaign: 𝟏𝟎. pic.twitter.com/9nhDZyur6c— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2026
Interestingly, Gordon’s four goals saw him overtake the Newcastle legend as the club’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 10 goals.
The Toon blitzed their opponents in the first half, taking a 5-0 lead courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s four goals and a Malick Thiaw header. Gordon’s quadruple has also made him the second highest goal scorer in the competition, with only Kylian Mbappe scoring more.
The match was effectively over by halftime, with Newcastle dominating possession and chances. Qarabag’s Mateusz Kochalski made several impressive saves, but ultimately, his team conceded five goals.
A special night in Baku! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ozl3dP4MlL
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 18, 2026
After the restart, Qarabag pulled one back through Elvin Cafarguliyev, but Newcastle regained their composure and restored their five-goal advantage through Jacob Murphy’s deflected effort.
The win marks Newcastle’s third victory in 16 European games on the road, and they have now won their last three games away from home.
Anthony Gordon is only the second player in history to score FOUR goals in the first half of a Champions League game ⚽⚽⚽⚽🤯 pic.twitter.com/zjnKqIkwpq
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 18, 2026
Qarabag, meanwhile, have won just one of their past seven fixtures in all competitions, and their 2025/26 Champions League journey is surely over already.
The second leg takes place next Tuesday at St. James’ Park, but Newcastle will be looking to seal their place in the Round of 16 with a comfortable win.
