Newcastle United Secures First Champions League Victory
Anthony Gordon netted two penalties as Newcastle United achieved a decisive first Champions League victory of the season against Union Saint-Gilloise.
After a dramatic defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, Newcastle appeared determined to bounce back, marking their first away win in the competition since 2003.
At Lotto Park, there was no indication of a hangover when Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Winger Anthony Elanga delivered a cross into the box, which was cleared only as far as Sandro Tonali, positioned at the edge of the area. Tonali struck the ball perfectly on the volley, and his effort took a deflection off record signing Woltemade, wrong-footing goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
Despite being Champions League newcomers, Union Saint-Gilloise did not falter. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made a crucial save midway through the first half, parrying Adem Zorgane's shot behind for a corner.
Just before half-time, Newcastle was awarded a penalty when Elanga was fouled by Fedde Leysen inside the box. Gordon stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending Scherpen the wrong way.
Union fought back after the break, with Anan Khalaili firing wide, while Pope continued to deny strong attempts from Ousseynou Niang and Zorgane.
However, their efforts took a significant hit when Newcastle was awarded a second penalty midway through the second half after a VAR check determined Leysen had handled the ball. Gordon again took the responsibility and successfully converted the penalty.
Substitute Harvey Barnes capped off the night with a well-placed finish from inside the box, sealing a 4-0 victory in Brussels. Following their loss to Barcelona in the tournament opener, this emphatic performance marked Newcastle's first points in their European campaign, setting them on the right path.
Newcastle Analysis: Ruthless Visitors Shine
Newcastle United's performance on Wednesday night belied their status as the Premier League's joint-lowest goalscorers. The visitors dismantled Union with precision, prompting their supporters to sing about their reluctance to leave the stadium after witnessing the team's attacking prowess finally come to life.
This match marked the first time Woltemade, Elanga, and Gordon started together, and the trio quickly posed problems for Union's defense. Elanga was instrumental in both of Newcastle's opening goals, using his speed to trouble Leysen.
Gordon, who previously scored against Barcelona, embraced the challenge of taking both penalties and played a role in Newcastle's fourth goal by winning the ball in his own penalty area and executing a smart pass to William Osula, who assisted Barnes on a swift counterattack.
As for Woltemade, despite criticism for his £69 million transfer from Bayern Munich, he demonstrated his goal-scoring instincts with his third goal in just four starts at Lotto Park. His opener may not have been spectacular, but it showcased his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Newcastle faces tougher challenges ahead as they aim to qualify for the last 16, but this victory felt significant in multiple ways.
What’s Next?
Newcastle will host Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on Sunday, October 5, followed by a trip to Brighton on Saturday, October 18, after the international break.