Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle’s players to fulfill their potential following their Champions League victory

Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe believes his squad is huge Champions League victory over Qarabag could serve as a reminder of the level they are capable of reaching.

The Magpies put in a dominant performance in Baku, thrashing the Azerbaijani champions 6-1 to take a convincing lead in next week’s return leg at St James’ Park.

Or Barcelona or Chelsea await the winners in the next round.

Newcastle led 5-0 by half-time, beating their hosts in one of their most complete European performances in recent years.

Speaking afterwards, Howe said the result should boost the belief in the dressing room that this group of players can compete with the best.

“I hope this just confirms our belief that we can be an outstanding team.

« When we’re at our best, we can match anyone. I’ve always said that this season we can be, of course, it’s about finding that level as much as we can, as consistent as we can.

“I think you could see the intense focus of the players from a very early stage of the game and then we have the quality when we are in that mood.

« It’s a really good time for us to put on a display like this to hopefully just tell ourselves that we can be a top team again. »

Anthony Gordon was the star of the night, scoring four times. The striker had never before registered a senior hat-trick but left the Tofik Bahramov Stadium with his Champions League haul for the season at 10 goals, surpassing Alan Shearer’s great club record in the competition.

Further goals from Malik Tiau and substitute Jacob Murphy completed the rout, while Elvin Jafarguliev grabbed a late consolation for Qarabag, who are unlikely to matter much for the return trip to the north-east of England.

Despite his remarkable personal achievements, Gordon focused on collective performance.

The farthest day from the Champions League, but we’re sure it was worth it 😍

Thank you for the amazing support in Azerbaijan – safe journey home! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/J0HR0JStn7

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 18, 2026

« Records are nice, of course, but football is about the team. Individual moments only matter if the team succeeds and tonight that was the most important thing.

« I’m very proud, not only of myself, but of everyone involved. It’s never easy to get here, so I’m really happy for the whole group. »

There was a brief disagreement on the pitch before one of Newcastle’s penalties, with captain Kieran Trippier also looking to take responsibility, but Howe dismissed any suggestion of a problem.

« Anthony naturally wanted to take the second penalty and I understand why there is sometimes a debate about that. It’s not clear when you have two in one game. But he took both penalties superbly and I’m happy with that.

« Kieran is just trying to help the team, so I think the situation is more positive than negative. »

Newcastle will still approach the return leg with great caution, especially with Thiaw suspended after picking up a third booking of the campaign.

« Yes, we played a good game today, but we’re not taking anything for granted in the second leg, » added Howe.

Things are not slowing down for the Magpies who travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City at the weekend.