In a festive atmosphere in Baku, English fans, particularly those supporting Newcastle United, enjoyed a memorable experience at the National Stadium, which is now named after Tofik Bakhramov, the linesman revered for his role in England’s 1966 World Cup win. This historical connection made the occasion even more special for the visiting supporters. In a decisive playoff first leg of the Champions League, Newcastle dominated Qarabag with a remarkable score of 6-1, showcasing their strength early in the tournament.

Anthony Gordon was the standout player, scoring four goals during the match, highlighting his significant impact on the game. There was a brief moment of tension at halftime when teammate Kieran Trippier confronted Gordon for not passing the penalty to Nick Woltemade, a fellow DFB player. This incident, although minor in nature, illustrated team dynamics in such a high-pressure environment, as every goal counts in knockout competitions like the Champions League.

The match not only serves as a statement of Newcastle's ambition in European football but also raises questions about Qarabag's ability to compete at this level. As the Champions League progresses, Newcastle's impressive performance sets a precedent for their upcoming matches, while Qarabag will need to regroup ahead of the return leg if they hope to turn the tide and advance further in the tournament.