Newcastle United will host Qarabag at St James' Park for the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie, having already secured a significant advantage with a 6-1 win in the first leg. The team, led by manager Eddie Howe, is poised to capitalize on their dominant performance in Baku, where forward Anthony Gordon stole the spotlight with an unprecedented four-goal outing, setting a record for the fastest English player to achieve a Champions League hat-trick.

Gordon's remarkable performance not only solidified Newcastle's lead in the tie but also showcased the potential and talent that the Magpies possess in their roster, hinting at their ambitions in the tournament. The team is now merely one step away from reaching the last 16, which would mark a significant milestone in their Champions League campaign, especially given their relative inexperience in the competition compared to traditionally dominant clubs.

As Newcastle prepares for the return leg, fans are hopeful for another commanding performance that might see them extend their remarkable run in European football. Given the context and current form of the team, this matchup against Qarabag is expected to be more of a formality than a competitive challenge, as they aim to secure their spot in the knockout phase of the tournament without unnecessary complications.