In a match that showcased the growing prowess of English football in Europe, Newcastle United delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday night. The game, played at Lotto Park in Brussels due to ongoing renovations at Union's home ground, marked Newcastle's first win in this season's competition, propelling them up the standings after a shaky start.
From the outset, Newcastle asserted dominance. Anthony Gordon, the Magpies' talismanic winger, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot, coolly converting after a handball in the box. Union, who had impressed in domestic play, struggled to find rhythm against Newcastle's high press. Indeed, the Belgian side's defense looked vulnerable, conceding another penalty just before halftime when Gordon was upended—his second goal of the night, making it 2-0 at the break.
The second half brought little respite for the hosts. Nick Woltemade, Newcastle's summer signing from Stuttgart for a hefty £69 million, added gloss to the scoreline with a clinical finish in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a swift counter. However, the fourth goal came late, in the 84th minute, as substitute Jacob Murphy rounded off proceedings with a tidy strike. Union's attacks, led by their creative midfielder Cameron Puertas, fizzled out, managing only three shots on target throughout.
Newcastle's performance was a far cry from their opening draw against AC Milan, highlighting Eddie Howe's tactical adjustments. Gordon's brace not only boosted his confidence but also silenced critics who questioned his form. Moreover, Woltemade's impact raises eyebrows about that big-money transfer—some Bayern Munich voices had called Newcastle "idiots" for the deal, yet here he was, proving his worth on the European stage.
Union Saint-Gilloise, now winless in the group, face an uphill battle. For Newcastle, this result injects momentum ahead of a grueling Premier League schedule. But in the unpredictable world of the Champions League, one win hardly guarantees safety—how will the Magpies build on this?