Anthony Gordon’s Historic Night: 4 Goals in 45 Minutes!
Newcastle United fans, pinch yourselves—it actually happened! On Wednesday night, February 18, 2026, the Magpies didn’t just win; they made a massive statement on the European stage. In a Champions League playoff first leg that felt more like a masterclass, Newcastle thrashed Qarabağ 6-1 in Baku.
The undisputed star of the show? Anthony Gordon.
The 24-year-old forward put on a performance for the history books, netting four goals in just 45 minutes. It was a whirlwind of speed, precision, and pure footballing joy that has the "Toon Army" dreaming big.
A First-Half Blitz Like No Other
From the very first whistle at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, it was clear that Gordon was on a mission. It took him only three minutes to open the scoring, latching onto a perfect through-ball from Dan Burn to slot it home.
While Malick Thiaw added a second with a powerful header shortly after, the night belonged to Gordon’s relentless energy. By the 33rd minute, he had completed a stunning hat-trick, making it the fastest hat-trick by an Englishman in Champions League history.
But he wasn't finished. Just before the halftime whistle, Gordon won and converted his second penalty of the night. As the players headed into the tunnel, the scoreboard read 5-0, and Gordon had four to his name. He is now only the second player in the history of the competition to score four goals in the first half of a game.
Breaking Records and Leading the Charge
With this incredible haul, Anthony Gordon didn't just help secure the win; he shattered records. He has now surpassed the legendary Alan Shearer for the most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single European campaign, reaching 10 goals in the Champions League this season alone.
Eddie Howe’s side showed no signs of fatigue despite the 2,500-mile journey to Azerbaijan. The team played with a harmony that suggests they are ready to take on the giants of Europe. Jacob Murphy added a sixth goal in the second half to put the cherry on top, effectively ending the tie before the second leg even begins at St. James' Park.
What’s Next for the Magpies?
Barring a miracle in the return leg, Newcastle is cruising toward the Round of 16. Potential matchups against heavyweights like Barcelona or Chelsea loom on the horizon, but with Anthony Gordon in this kind of form, Newcastle won't fear anyone.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a night where a new Newcastle legend truly arrived on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many goals did Anthony Gordon score against Qarabağ? Anthony Gordon scored four goals, all of them coming in the first half of the match.
Did Anthony Gordon break any records in this match? Yes! He became the first Newcastle player to score 10 goals in a single European season, breaking Alan Shearer's previous record. He also recorded the fastest Champions League hat-trick by an English player (33 minutes).
What was the final score of the Newcastle vs. Qarabağ match? Newcastle United won the match 6-1. The other goals were scored by Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy.
Who will Newcastle play next in the Champions League? After the second leg at St. James' Park, Newcastle is expected to face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the Round of 16.
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