Baku/Piraeus, Feb 19 (.) Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen registered commanding victories in the UEFA Champions League last-16, powered by standout individual performances on Wednesday.
At Baku, Newcastle United thrashed Qarabağ FK 6-1, with Anthony Gordon producing a sensational first-half display, scoring four goals to put the visitors firmly in control, according to the UEFA Champions League.
The 24-year-old struck as early as the third minute to open the scoring, before Malick Thiaw doubled the lead shortly after. Gordon then netted twice in quick succession past the half-hour mark, converting a penalty and adding another with a delicate finish. He completed his four-goal haul before the break with his second penalty of the night.
Elvin Jafarguliyev pulled one back for Qarabağ with a powerful strike, but substitute Jacob Murphy restored Newcastle’s five-goal cushion with a deflected effort in the second half. Gordon was named Player of the Match.
Meanwhile in Piraeus, Bayer Leverkusen defeated Olympiacos FC 2-0, thanks to a quickfire brace from Patrik Schick in the second half.
Olympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis made crucial saves in the first half to deny Schick and Ibrahim Maza, while Leverkusen keeper Janis Blaswich also kept out Gelson Martins’ effort.
Schick finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark, finishing off a counterattack with composure, before heading in Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner just four minutes later to seal the win.
Schick was adjudged Player of the Match for his decisive performance.
. VAN .