Newcastle United F.C. delivered a stunning performance in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League playoff, defeating Qarabağ FK 6:1 in the first leg, Softfootball reports.
The emphatic victory gives Newcastle a commanding advantage heading into the return leg and sees them emulate fellow English sides such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, who have already secured qualification for the next stage.
This result is particularly significant considering Qarabag managed a 2:2 draw against Chelsea during the group stage under Enzo Maresca. That performance had shown they were capable of troubling top English opposition. But this time, Newcastle were ruthless.
The standout performer was Anthony Gordon, who scored four goals in a tremendous display. Gordon has now scored 10 goals in just eight Champions League matches this season, a remarkable turnaround for a player who previously struggled for consistent league goals in a full domestic campaign.
His European form has sparked debate, especially after earlier comments suggesting the Premier League is a tougher scoring environment than the Champions League. Whether coincidence or confidence, Gordon is clearly thriving on the continental stage.
At the moment, English clubs in the 2025/26 Champions League campaign are pulling significant weight. With dominant performances and strong results across the board, England’s representatives are once again asserting themselves as major forces in Europe.
