It ended Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6.
Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the match.
An ‘interesting’ match in Azerbaijan.
Plenty to talk about after this Champions League game.
As Newcastle United picked up their third away victory in a row, in three different competitions.
On this occasion it is David Punton:
POSITIVES
Brilliance in Baku
Sheer brilliance from Newcastle United got the job done in Azerbaijan.
We were scintillating, especially in that first half.
The win, our third consecutive success on the road, sets us up for what will hopefully be a much less frenetic second leg at St James’ Park.
Howe got his tactics spot on. He deserves credit.
You just can’t really fault our progress in the competition. Our run of wins in the group stage earned us the allegedly easier game in the play-off.
We’re just one game away from a Champions League date with Barcelona or Chelsea.
Bring it on.
Record breakers
It was the club’s biggest ever CL victory. It’s one we’ll look back on very fondly in years to come.
Then we have Anthony Gordon.
I’ve been a bit critical of him but you cannot ignore his record on this competition.
Gordon’s four goal blitz puts him in an exclusive club of United players to score hat-tricks in the Champions League. He’s up there with a certain Alan Shearer and Tino Asprilla.
Only Mbappe has bagged more CL goals this season.
It’s excellent from the little Scouser, as he seemed to excel playing as the centre forward.
It was his first senior career hat-trick and the fastest triple for an English player in the tournament.
He needs to play more like this in Premier League games, and he needs to do it soon, or he may risk not being on the plane for the World Cup.
Nine at ten
Nick Woltemade’s switch to a more deep lying role is bearing fruit.
For a big man he has amazing skill for such a role, playing behind the central striker. He barely lost the ball.
It’s really paid off for us. It’s a significant weapon in our armoury that has to be exploited.
(Other positives: Joelinton is back; Sean Neave’s competitive debut; Another great headed goal for Thiaw; Finding ways to win without Bruno; an amazing effort for the fans who travelled so far to follow the team in Baku, with many on three different flights to get there; we can drop down a gear for the second leg; A first Champions League goal for Jacob Murphy.)
NEGATIVES
Handbags
It wasn’t ideal seeing Trippier and Gordon having a row over a penalty.
The incident looked pretty heated and it was a relief to see them all smiles on TNT Sport at full time.
Gordon was right to take the spot-kick, in my opinion. He’s the dedicated penalty taker.
Pope error
An error from Nick Pope for their goal blotted the copybook a tad.
I wish he could iron out these mistakes.
Disciplinary tightrope
Dan Burn and Joelinton both remain one booking away from suspension, while Thiaw’s yellow means he misses the return leg next week.