Newcastle United bounced back in style on Wednesday night, beating Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels to claim their first Champions League victory of the season.
Just days after a crushing loss to Arsenal, Eddie Howe’s side looked sharp and determined, securing their first away win in Europe’s top competition since 2003.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Sandro Tonali’s volley deflected off Nick Woltemade and left Union keeper Kjell Scherpen stranded.
Newcastle doubled their lead before halftime after Anthony Elanga was fouled in the box. Anthony Gordon stepped up with confidence, sending Scherpen the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Union, making their Champions League debut, refused to roll over. Nick Pope had to be at his best to deny Adem Zorgane, and later pulled off more big saves to keep Newcastle in control.
The game tilted further in Newcastle’s favor midway through the second half when VAR confirmed a handball against Fedde Leysen. Gordon converted his second penalty of the night, this time drilling it low and hard past Scherpen.
Substitute Harvey Barnes put the icing on the cake late on, slotting home from inside the box to make it four.
After opening their European campaign with defeat against Barcelona, Newcastle finally have liftoff in Group F with a dominant win that could set the tone for the rest of their run.
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