Anthony Gordon scored four first-half goals as Newcastle United dismantled Qarabag 6-1 in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg. The English side took control early, with Gordon netting in the third minute and converting two penalties before halftime, while Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also found the net.

Newcastle's dominant performance came despite the 2,529-mile journey to Azerbaijan, the longest-ever distance traveled by an English club for a Champions League away match. The Magpies fired 16 shots in the first half, with 11 on target, as goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski made six saves to prevent further embarrassment. A heated exchange between captain Kieran Trippier and Gordon over penalty-taking duties added drama to the rout.

Qarabag's Elvin Cafarquliyev scored a consolation goal and later deflected Murphy's shot for Newcastle's sixth. The emphatic victory all but secures Newcastle's place in the last 16, where they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona. Eddie Howe's side now turns attention to Saturday's Premier League clash against title-chasing Manchester City before the second leg in Newcastle on February 24.