Finally, a Champions League win - and on the road, too.
Newcastle United cruised to a 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park to get their Champions League campaign up and running. An Anthony Gordon double from the spot was preceded by a deft Nick Woltemade flick and finished off in style by Harvey Barnes after some inspiration from Will Osula.
That three points not only sends Newcastle to 11th in the Champions League table, but also adds around £2million to the prize money pay out pot.
Newcastle take on Benfica next in the competition, with the game set for St James’ Park on October 21. It’s then on to Athletic Club, also at home, in early November before travelling to Marseille later that month. Bayer Leverkusen at the hosts in December before the league stage is rounded of for United with PSV at SJP then a return to Paris Saint-Germain, hopefully with less dodgy refereeing decisions, this time.
But before all that it was Union SG - and here’s the best shots from a memorable night in Brussels, where Newcastle recorded their biggest ever Champions League victory.
1. The starting XI
Players of Newcastle United pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. | Getty Images
2. The managers
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, interacts with Sebastien Pocognoli, Head Coach of R. Union Saint-Gilloise, prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. | Getty Images
3. Sandro Tonali celebrates - after he thinks he's scored
Newcastle United's Italian midfielder #08 Sandro Tonali (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League, league phase - Matchday 2 football match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at the RSC Anderlecht Stadium in Brussels on October 1, 2025. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Elanga salutes the fans
Newcastle United's players celebrate after scoring team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League, league phase - Matchday 2 football match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at the RSC Anderlecht Stadium in Brussels on October 1, 2025. | AFP via Getty Images