Anthony Gordon Champions League: Newcastle Book Last-16 Spot in 3 Steps
Anthony Gordon’s Champions League exploits have been the talk of European football this season, and the Newcastle United forward is set to complete a famous last-16 qualification when the Magpies host Qarabag in the second leg of their knockout playoff at St James’ Park on February 24, 2026. Newcastle carry a five-goal aggregate lead into the St James’ Park showpiece after Anthony Gordon’s extraordinary four-goal haul in the first leg in Baku.
Anthony Gordon’s Historic First Leg in Baku
Anthony Gordon announced himself on the European stage in unforgettable fashion in the first leg, netting four times in the first half as Newcastle hammered Qarabag 6-1 at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. Gordon opened the scoring inside three minutes and went on to complete the fastest Champions League hat-trick by an English player, reaching his treble in just 33 minutes before adding a fourth from the penalty spot. Malick Thiaw also headed home during an extraordinary opening period, with Jacob Murphy adding a deflected effort in the second half. Gordon’s tally for the season in the Champions League reached 10 with those goals, taking him past Alan Shearer as Newcastle’s all-time record scorer in a single European campaign.
Key Absentee for the St James’ Park Second Leg
Newcastle head into the second leg with one notable absentee. Defender Malick Thiaw will serve a one-match suspension after collecting his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign during the first leg. Eddie Howe acknowledged the blow, noting Newcastle are stretched at centre-back with Fabian Schär injured and Sven Botman managing a back complaint. Despite Thiaw’s absence, the aggregate scoreline ensures this second leg at St James’ Park is a formality for the Magpies.
Newcastle’s Champions League Road Ahead
Should Newcastle progress — as is almost certain given the six-run aggregate lead — they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the round of 16, with the draw for that stage to be made on February 27. It represents a defining moment for a club appearing in the Champions League knockouts for the first time. Eddie Howe’s side will be targeting the kind of performance at St James’ Park that builds confidence and momentum ahead of what promises to be a glamour tie against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Written by 8jjsports.com News Desk | February 24, 2026
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