A stunning 6-1 victory over Qarabag, seemingly securing Newcastle United’s passage to the Champions League last 16, was unexpectedly eclipsed by a fiery dispute unfolding on the pitch.
The clash occurred between two pivotal players: rising star Anthony Gordon and seasoned captain Kieran Trippier, just before halftime at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. The tension was palpable, immediately becoming the dominant post-match narrative.
Newcastle had already established a commanding 4-0 lead, fueled by a penalty awarded after Gordon was brought down. The young forward, already with two goals to his name, eagerly stepped forward to take the spot-kick, aiming for an unprecedented four-goal haul.
However, Trippier visibly objected, appearing frustrated by what he perceived as Gordon’s relentless pursuit of personal glory. A heated exchange erupted between the two, their voices rising amidst the celebrations.
The disagreement didn’t dissipate at the whistle. The argument continued as the teams headed for the tunnel, requiring teammates to physically intervene and separate the pair, preventing a further escalation.
Despite the internal friction, Gordon’s performance was nothing short of historic. He delivered a breathtaking display, shattering records and cementing his place in Champions League lore.
In a remarkable first half, Gordon became the fastest Englishman to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, achieving the feat in just 33 minutes. His pace and precision were simply unmatched.
He didn’t stop there. Gordon surpassed Alan Shearer’s long-standing club record for most European goals in a single season, reaching a remarkable ten goals. A new era of Newcastle dominance was being written.
Gordon joined an exclusive club, becoming only the second player in Champions League history to score four goals in the first half of a match, a testament to his extraordinary finishing ability.
Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy added further goals, completing a resounding 6-1 victory – Newcastle’s joint-largest win in European competition. The night was a celebration of attacking football, even amidst the simmering tension.
