From pressure to party: Newcastle’s stunning win in Belgium
Eddie Howe walked into Lotto Park knowing the pressure was real. His Newcastle team were short on confidence, missing Alexander Isak, and heading into a tricky night against Sébastian Pocognoli’s energetic Union Saint-Gilloise. But instead of leaving Belgium with problems, they left with a statement victory: a 4–0 win that could transform their season.
Early fears, fast answers
Union SG began brightly. The drums were loud, the fans were ready, and Kevin Rodríguez almost gave them the perfect start. But Newcastle quickly showed why they belong on this stage.
In the 17th minute, Nick Woltemade – the towering German striker signed to replace Isak – flicked Sandro Tonali’s volley into the net. UEFA later credited the goal to Woltemade, his third since arriving from Stuttgart. What a turnaround: a year ago Union SG were chasing him, now he’s scoring against them in the Champions League.
Gordon keeps his cool
Union SG kept fighting. Promise David and Anouar Ait El Hadj created chances, but Nick Pope stayed strong in goal. Then came the killer moment. Anthony Elanga’s quick feet forced a foul, and Anthony Gordon stepped up to slot home a perfect penalty for 2–0 before halftime.
Pressure turns into dominance
The Belgians kept pushing, and Ait El Hadj almost found a way back with a clever run, but his shot flew over. From there, Newcastle’s confidence only grew. Woltemade’s hold-up play was superb, Tonali bossed the midfield, and the English side looked in complete control.
Another VAR-checked handball gave Gordon a second penalty, and he buried it. 3–0. The Geordie fans in the stands went wild.
Barnes finishes the party
There was still time for one last blow. Substitute Harvey Barnes came off the bench, sprinted into the box, and smashed in the fourth after a slick counterattack involving Will Osula and, of course, Gordon again.
It was the perfect night for Howe. His team not only found goals, but also rediscovered their energy, rhythm, and belief.
Howe’s verdict
“We’ve been waiting for a performance like that,” said a smiling Eddie Howe. “Nick was excellent, Sandro was at his best, and the whole team stepped up. This was a big step forward.”
Newcastle now return home not with doubts, but with momentum. Sunday’s Premier League game will arrive with a new mood: hope, confidence, and maybe the first signs of a season turning in their favor.
