Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon scored twice from the spot in a 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise as Eddie Howe’s side recorded their first victory in this season’s Champions League.

The England international linked up nicely in attack with Nick Woltemade and the recalled Anthony Elanga, who also impressed in Brussels, having a hand in two of Newcastle’s goals as his electric pace caused the home defence all kinds of problems.

The Swede’s run down the right flank and centre was only headed out to the unmarked Sandro Tonali on the edge of the area and his low strike was cleverly redirected into the net by the alert Woltemade to give the Magpies a deserved 17th-minute lead.

And in the process, Newcastle’s record signing became the first player to score on both his first Premier League and Champions League starts for the Magpies, while also taking his tally to three goals for his new side.

It was from another penetrating Elanga dribble down the right that the visitors doubled their advantage just before half-time when Fedde Leysen chopped down the winger, with Gordon – taking over penalty duties from the now departed Alexander Isak – keeping his cool from the spot to put Newcastle in control heading into the second period.

Gordon’s inviting centre then forced the hapless Leysen to concede another spot-kick, which the forward duly converted to allow his manager to make a raft of changes midway through the second half with Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday no doubt on his mind.

And there was still time for a fourth after an eye-catching counter-attack that started with that man Gordon inside his own half, before, in the blink of an eye, Harvey Barnes swept home at the other end for his first goal since April as Newcastle registered their biggest-ever win in the competition [excluding qualifiers].

Howe confident Woltemade will keep getting better

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking about Nick Woltemade at his post-match press conference:

“His potential is high. It is an exciting start for him and he’s done really really well, and more importantly he is willing, wants to do the work and wants to improve.

“It is difficult to put a percentage on what he is right now but there is more to come physically and tactically as we go through the journey together with him.

“We will be doing a lot of physical work with him to get him robust enough for the Premier League week in, week out.”

On the win: “There are things we can improve but it was a big step in the right direction, an important stage as well in the Champions League because we have to start well.

“These competitions are so high and the demands are so big on us that if we’re slow starters, we could leave ourselves too much to do, so I certainly leave here in a lot healthier, positive frame of mind and I’m looking forward to the next game.”

Post-match facts: Historic night for Newcastle

• Newcastle have registered their biggest-ever Champions League win, while it was their biggest away win in major European competition since beating Sochaux 4-0 in the UEFA Cup in November 2004.
• Union Saint-Gilloise had 17 shots without scoring tonight. Only against Bodo/Glimt in October 2024 (21) in the UEFA Europa League have they had more without finding the net since 2022/23 in major European competition.
• Nick Woltemade became the first Newcastle player to score on both his first Premier League start and first Champions League start for the club.
• Anthony Gordon scored two penalties tonight, becoming the third Englishman to do so in a Champions League match, along with Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane.
• Harvey Barnes netted his first-ever Champions League goal, while he is also the first substitute to score in the Champions League for Newcastle.

Story of the match in stats…

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