In a match that showcased Newcastle United's growing prowess in Europe, the Magpies delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night at Lotto Park. The game, part of the UEFA Champions League league phase, marked Newcastle's first win of the season in the competition, easing early pressures on Eddie Howe's side after a mixed start.
The scoring began early, with Anthony Gordon converting a penalty in the 12th minute after a handball in the box caught the Belgian defenders off guard. Union SG, playing on home soil but in a temporary venue due to stadium renovations, struggled to respond. Indeed, their defense looked shaky from the outset, allowing Newcastle to control possession at around 58 percent throughout the first half. Gordon's cool finish set the tone, and the visitors never looked back.
However, it was the second half where Newcastle truly asserted dominance. Another penalty came Union's way—or rather, against them—in the 55th minute, with Gordon stepping up again to make it 2-0. The Englishman, thriving in his role on the left, has now notched three goals in his last two outings across competitions. Moreover, Nick Woltemade, Newcastle's big summer signing for £69 million, added to the tally in the 68th minute with a clinical finish from a Bruno Guimarães assist. The German forward, who drew skepticism from some quarters including Bayern Munich executives labeling the deal as foolish, silenced critics with his poise under pressure.
Union SG's frustrations mounted as they pushed forward, but a late counter in the 82nd minute saw Jacob Murphy seal the 4-0 scoreline, rounding off a performance that highlighted Newcastle's clinical edge. The Belgians, who had impressed in domestic play, managed just three shots on target, underscoring their vulnerabilities against Premier League quality. Injuries and fatigue from a packed schedule didn't help their cause, though questions linger about tactical adjustments from coach Sébastien Pocognoli.
Indeed, this result propels Newcastle up the league phase table, with three points now in the bag and confidence surging ahead of tougher fixtures. For Union, it's back to the drawing board, as they aim to regroup for upcoming league duties. As the Champions League campaign intensifies, such mismatches remind us how quickly fortunes can shift in this unforgiving format.