After the disappointment of an opening day defeat, a trip away in Europe can feel like a daunting prospect. For Newcastle United, their journey to Belgium to face Union Saint-Gilloise was exactly the test they needed.
The pressure was on to get their Champions League campaign back on track, and the team responded in the most perfect way imaginable. From the first whistle to the last, they put on a display of control and clinical finishing, securing a convincing 4-0 victory that will fill the entire squad with belief.
The match started with Newcastle looking focused and determined. They knew that a positive result was crucial, and they played with an intensity that their hosts struggled to match.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute, and it was a moment that highlighted both skill and a little bit of luck. A cross from Anthony Elanga was only partially cleared by the Union defense, falling to the edge of the penalty area.
Sandro Tonali was quick to react, firing a shot towards goal that took a decisive deflection off the chest of Nick Woltemade and flew past the goalkeeper.
It was Woltemade’s third goal for the club, and it saw him etch his name into the history books, becoming only the fourth Newcastle player ever to score on his first Champions League start.
This early goal settled any nerves and allowed Newcastle to play with more freedom. Just before half-time, they were gifted a chance to double their lead.
Once again, Anthony Elanga was the catalyst, displaying fantastic footwork to dribble into the box before being brought down for a clear penalty. Anthony Gordon stepped up to take the kick and made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
This was a significant moment for Gordon, making him just the third Newcastle player to score in consecutive Champions League matches, a list that includes the legendary Alan Shearer.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Newcastle comfortably in control. Just after the hour mark, they were awarded a second penalty, this time for a handball following a review by the Video Assistant Referee.
With confidence flowing, Gordon stepped up once more and repeated his earlier feat, powering another spot-kick into the bottom corner to put the game completely beyond doubt.
To put the finishing touches on a perfect European night, substitute Harvey Barnes added a fourth goal with ten minutes remaining. It was a classic counter-attack, finished with precision after a neat through ball from fellow substitute William Osula.
The goal was a testament to the team’s depth and their ability to hurt the opposition right until the final whistle.
For Union Saint-Gilloise, it was a harsh lesson. After a famous victory against PSV in their first match, they had hopes of making more history. But on this occasion, they found a Newcastle team that was simply too strong, too organized, and too clinical.
The English side managed to secure this impressive victory without ever seeming to stretch themselves to the absolute limit, a sign of a team growing in maturity and confidence on the European stage.
This 4-0 win does more than just put three points on the board. It restores belief after the opening loss to Barcelona.
It shows that the team can travel to a difficult away ground and produce a professional, dominant performance.
Players like Gordon, with his two goals, and Woltemade, with his historic finish, have staked their claim. For manager Eddie Howe, it was a night where nearly everything went according to plan.
The Magpies have announced their presence in the competition, and they have done so with a statement victory that will make the rest of their group sit up and take notice. The Champions League adventure is well and truly alive.
