Newcastle United secured their biggest-ever Champions League win last night, defeating Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels.
The emphatic victory, the club’s first away win in the competition since 2003, saw a welcome return to the Magpies’ “best style,” according to manager Eddie Howe.
The goals came from a Nick Woltemade deflection, a brace of penalties by Anthony Gordon, and a clinical late finish from substitute Harvey Barnes. Winger Anthony Elanga was instrumental, setting up the first goal and winning the first penalty.
After the match, Howe asserted that his squad belongs among Europe’s elite. “There’s no reason why we can’t win games at this level home and away,” he said.
The victory was a vital boost for Newcastle, who had been criticized for a recent “lack of good football.”
Their preparedness was evident, with Howe showing “full respect” to the Belgian champions by bringing a near-full-strength side and training at Lotto Park the day before.
The dominant performance has left the traveling Geordie faithful convinced: “This is the best trip I’ve ever been on.”
