Newcastle United secured a resounding 4-0 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise in their Champions League match on Wednesday, with Anthony Gordon netting two penalties. The win marks Newcastle's first away win in a major European competition since 2013 and their biggest-ever win in the Champions League.
The match started with Union Saint-Gilloise applying early pressure, but Newcastle weathered the storm and gradually took control. In the 17th minute, Nick Woltemade opened the scoring for Newcastle, deflecting Sandro Tonali's shot into the net. Initially, the goal was almost given to Mac Allister, but it was later confirmed to be Woltemade's goal.
Newcastle continued to press, and Anthony Gordon came close to scoring, but his shot went over the bar. Just before halftime, Anthony Elanga was fouled inside the area, resulting in a penalty for Newcastle. Gordon stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and doubling Newcastle's lead. This also marked Gordon's second consecutive Champions League match with a goal, a feat not achieved by a Newcastle player since Patrick Kluivert in the UEFA Cup in 2004/05.
In the second half, Union Saint-Gilloise attempted to mount a comeback, but Newcastle's defense remained solid. In the 63rd minute, another penalty was awarded to Newcastle after a VAR review determined that Fedde Leysen had handled the ball. Gordon again took the responsibility and scored his second penalty of the match, extending Newcastle's lead to 3-0.
With the game comfortably in their control, Newcastle added a fourth goal in the closing stages. Harvey Barnes, who came on as a substitute, completed a neat counter-attack to seal the victory for the Magpies.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match against Arsenal, with Kieran Trippier replacing the injured Tino Livramento and Anthony Elanga starting in place of Jacob Murphy.
Union Saint-Gilloise were without Mohammed Fuseini due to an ankle injury, while Kevin Rodriguez and Anouar Ait El Hadj were doubts before the game.
The victory is a significant boost for Newcastle, who had lost their opening Champions League match at home to Barcelona. The win also eases the pressure on the team after a recent defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League. Anthony Gordon's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he led the team to victory with his two well-taken penalties.
