In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Newcastle United delivered a resounding victory over Qarabag in the initial encounter of their Champions League play-off series. The match, held at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, concluded with a decisive 6-1 scoreline, firmly tilting the tie in the English side’s favor.
The evening was unequivocally dominated by Anthony Gordon, whose performance will be etched into the club’s European history. Demonstrating remarkable precision and opportunism, the forward single-handedly dismantled the opposition’s defense, securing an extraordinary four-goal haul before the halftime whistle. His clinical finishing set an unassailable tone for the match, leaving the home supporters in a state of disbelief.
Supporting Cast Seals Comprehensive Victory
While Gordon’s exploits rightfully captured the headlines, his teammates contributed significantly to the commanding result. Before the interval, Malick Thiaw found the back of the net, further extending Newcastle’s burgeoning lead. The second half saw no respite for the Azerbaijani champions, as Jacob Murphy added his name to the scoresheet, completing the visitors’ six-goal demolition.
The home side’s solitary moment of consolation arrived in the second period through Elvin Jafarguliyev, whose effort breached Newcastle’s defense. However, this reply proved to be a mere footnote in a match thoroughly controlled by the Premier League outfit from start to finish. The comprehensive nature of this away victory provides Newcastle with a formidable advantage as they prepare for the return leg on home soil, placing them on the cusp of the prestigious Champions League group stage.