Anthony Gordon Shatters Records with Historic Champions League Performance

omidbasir- Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has made headlines by becoming only the second player in UEFA Champions League history to score four goals in the first half of a match, and the first to achieve this milestone in the knockout stages.

The England international’s remarkable performance propelled the Magpies to a commanding 6-1 victory against Azerbaijan’s FK Qarabag in the first leg of their playoff round encounter.

Gordon’s hat trick, completed in just 33 minutes, is the fastest recorded by an English player in the Champions League, bringing his total in the competition to an impressive 10 goals. He is now one of only three Newcastle players to register a hat trick in the Champions League, and the first to do so in knockout rounds.

“While records are gratifying, football is ultimately about the team,” Gordon stated in an interview with UEFA.com. “Individual achievements only hold significance if the team is successful, and that was the most important aspect of tonight. I am extremely proud, not just of my accomplishments, but of everyone involved. It is never easy to come to a place like this, so I am truly happy for the entire group.”

Gordon initiated the scoring in Baku within just three minutes, followed by Malick Thiaw doubling the Premier League side’s advantage five minutes later. After converting a penalty in the 32nd minute, Gordon completed his hat trick—his first at the senior level—just a minute later by rounding the opposing goalkeeper.

He further solidified a remarkable first half by scoring another penalty during stoppage time. Among English players in the Champions League, only Harry Kane (11) has netted more goals in a season than Gordon.

At just 24 years old, Gordon has already surpassed Newcastle legend Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a single Champions League season, which previously stood at six.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised Gordon’s exceptional performance, stating, “He was truly outstanding in that first half. He initiated the press, and many of his goals resulted from his off-the-ball attitude. His first goal was particularly significant, showcasing a great finish. He could have scored more, but it was a very impressive display.”

Howe also addressed a reported half-time disagreement with captain Kieran Trippier regarding penalty duties, clarifying that Anthony naturally wanted to take the second penalty due to the unusual situation of having two in one match. “Kieran is always striving to help the team, so I view this more positively than negatively,” Howe explained.

Although Gordon did not add to his tally in the second half, Elvin Cafarquliyev managed to score for Qarabag, who have been a surprise contender in this season’s Champions League after qualifying for the playoffs. However, Jacob Murphy’s deflected strike ensured Newcastle’s six-goal rout, marking the first time the club has scored six goals in European competition during their 149 matches.

As Newcastle prepares to host Qarabag at St. James’ Park next Tuesday, they are all but assured of a last-16 matchup against either Barcelona or fellow Premier League side Chelsea.