Newcastle United earned their first Champions League points of the campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels.
Eddie Howe’s side, coming off a painful defeat to Arsenal last weekend, responded strongly in what was seen as their most winnable away fixture of the Champions League group stage.
The opening goal came after just 16 minutes of play and sparked debate over who put the ball into the net. Anthony Elanga’s
cross was cleared only as far as Sandro Tonali, who volleyed towards goal. The ball, however, deflected off Nick Woltemade, who insisted he got the touch, wrong-footing goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
At first, it looked like Tonali’s strike had gone straight in via a defender, but closer replays confirmed Woltemade had flicked it, claiming his first goal in the competition. Talk about a “stupid” signing, uh?.
Union had their moments, forcing Nick Pope into a pair of sharp saves, but Newcastle doubled their lead just before half-time. Elanga was brought down by Fedde Leysen, giving Anthony Gordon the chance to step up from the spot. The winger sent Scherpen the wrong way to make it 2-0.
After the break, Union pressed again, with Anan Khalaili and Adem Zorgane both testing Pope, but Newcastle kept doing their thing and giving the Belgian side no chance at a comeback.
Another penalty was awarded on 64 minutes when Leysen was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Gordon converted for his second of the night and his third goal in two Champions League games.
The final score was wrapped up late by substitute Harvey Barnes. After combining with Will Osula, Barnes struck from inside the area to give Newcastle their biggest ever away win in the Champions League. It was also their first away victory in European competition since 2013.
The win also marked a milestone for Howe’s side, who had failed to win any away fixtures in last season’s group stage. It also offered a bit of relief to Howe and the lads at a time when Premier League results have been atrocious, leaving them 15th in the table.
Newcastle now sit on three points after two matches in the Champions League league phase, having lost to Barcelona in their opener.
The Magpies return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, looking to build momentum from this European win.
