BAKU, AZERBAIJAN — Anthony Gordon delivered a masterclass performance as Newcastle United dismantled FK Qarabag 6-1 in a ruthless Champions League display that showcased the Magpies' attacking prowess. The English winger's first-half hat-trick laid the foundation for a comprehensive victory that never looked in doubt from the moment Malick Thiaw nodded home the opener in the eighth minute.
The Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium witnessed a clinical Newcastle side that combined precision with power, overwhelming the Azerbaijani champions with wave after wave of attacks. Gordon's treble, completed before the halftime whistle, represented the kind of individual brilliance that separates elite European performers from the rest.
Newcastle's dominance was evident from the opening exchanges. Thiaw rose highest to meet Kieran Trippier's pinpoint cross following a corner in the eighth minute, powering his header into the bottom left corner to give the visitors an early advantage. The goal settled any nerves and set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
Gordon announced his arrival on the scoresheet in the 32nd minute, converting a penalty with aplomb after Qarabag's defense was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the area. The winger sent Mateusz Kochalski the wrong way, slotting his right-footed effort into the bottom left corner with the confidence of a man in prime form.
Just a minute later, Gordon struck again. This time from open play, the 23-year-old found space in the center of the box and rifled a right-footed shot past the helpless Kochalski to make it 3-0. The rapid-fire double left Qarabag reeling and their defensive structure in tatters.
Gordon completed his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time, converting his second penalty of the evening with another composed finish to the top right corner. The 4-0 halftime scoreline reflected Newcastle's utter superiority, with Harvey Barnes providing constant menace down the left flank and Joe Willock controlling the midfield tempo.
Qarabag emerged for the second half with renewed determination, and their persistence was rewarded in the 54th minute. Elvin Cafarquliyev found space on the left following a corner and squeezed a shot from a difficult angle past Nick Pope to reduce the deficit. The goal, confirmed after a VAR check, briefly offered the home side hope of mounting an unlikely comeback.
That hope proved fleeting. Newcastle continued to dominate possession and create chances at will. Jacob Murphy, introduced as a substitute, added the fifth goal in the 72nd minute with a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the high center of the goal. Harvey Barnes provided the assist, capping another impressive individual performance.
The statistics painted a picture of complete Newcastle dominance. The Magpies controlled 57.9% of possession and launched 22 shots at goal compared to Qarabag's eight. Most tellingly, Newcastle put 14 of their attempts on target, forcing Kochalski into eight saves throughout the evening. The Qarabag goalkeeper prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline with several crucial interventions.
Dan Burn came agonizingly close to adding a sixth in the 89th minute when his header from the center of the box was saved by Kochalski, who then denied William Osula's follow-up effort from six yards. The Newcastle pressure remained relentless until the final whistle, with Malick Thiaw's late header sailing just wide as the visitors sought to add further gloss to the scoreline.
Sandro Tonali orchestrated proceedings from midfield, winning crucial duels and distributing the ball with precision. The Italian's partnership with Willock provided Newcastle with complete control of the middle third, allowing the attacking quartet of Gordon, Barnes, Anthony Elanga, and Trippier to flourish.
Qarabag's evening was summed up by Malick Thiaw's 76th-minute yellow card, the only caution of a match that remained competitive in spirit despite the lopsided scoreline. The home side managed eight corners to Newcastle's six, demonstrating their willingness to push forward, but lacked the quality in the final third to truly threaten Pope's goal.
The result represents a significant statement of intent from Newcastle in their Champions League campaign. Sitting 11th in the standings with nine points from five matches, the Magpies have demonstrated their ability to compete at Europe's highest level. For Qarabag, languishing in 19th place with seven points, the heavy defeat compounds a difficult campaign that has seen them struggle for consistency.
The victory also continues Newcastle's impressive recent form, bouncing back from earlier setbacks with consecutive wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. Gordon's hat-trick will live long in the memory of the traveling supporters who made the journey to Azerbaijan, witnessing their side's most emphatic European performance of the season.
This performance sets the standard for Newcastle United when they travel to face Manchester City on February 21. The Magpies can approach their meeting with the Premier League champions with renewed belief after this comprehensive display.