Newcastle United bounced back in emphatic style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, marking Eddie Howe’s first-ever win in the Champions League.
Just days after a gut-wrenching defeat to Arsenal, Howe’s side looked every bit the European contenders in Brussels as they secured their first away win in the competition since 2003.
There was no sign of a hangover at Lotto Park. Newcastle opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Sandro Tonali’s sweetly struck volley deflected off Nick Woltemade, leaving Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen wrongfooted.
Union Saint-Gilloise—making their Champions League debut—responded positively, and Nick Pope was called into action to deny Adem Zorgane midway through the first half.
But Newcastle doubled their lead just before the break. Anthony Elanga was brought down in the box by Fedde Leysen, and Anthony Gordon confidently converted from the spot, sending Scherpen the wrong way.
The Belgian champions pushed forward after the interval, with Anan Khalaili firing wide and Pope producing key saves to keep out Niang and Zorgane.
Newcastle’s control was cemented after a VAR check awarded them a second penalty when Leysen was penalised for handball. Gordon stepped up once more and buried his second of the night.
Substitute Harvey Barnes rounded off the rout with a composed finish from inside the area late on, sealing a vital three points in Group F. Following their opening loss to Barcelona, Newcastle’s European campaign is now truly up and running.
