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Newcastle’s Ruthless Display in Brussels Signals Champions League Ambition

For a long time, the idea of Newcastle United producing a dominant Champions League performance on foreign soil seemed like a dream. On Wednesday night in Brussels, that dream became a statement.

In front of a vibrant Lotto Park, which had begun to empty before the final whistle, Eddie Howe’s side dismantled Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in their heaviest win in the competition’s modern era. Two penalties converted with composure by Anthony Gordon set the tone, while Nick Woltemade’s close-range strike and a late finish from Harvey Barnes completed a historic night for the Magpies.

For the travelling supporters in the Belgian capital, many of whom belted out “This is the best trip I’ve ever been on,” the occasion carried special weight. Not long ago, Newcastle were fighting for survival in the Premier League; now they stand firmly among Europe’s elite.

This victory marked Newcastle’s first Champions League away win since 2003, underlining just how far the club has come since those days of instability. Having now reached Europe’s top competition in two of the last three seasons, Howe’s project is beginning to look sustainable rather than fleeting.

“They should believe, and there’s no reason why we can’t win games at this level, home or away,” Howe said after the match. “We have the players and the squad to do that. Maybe sometimes you need to experience it to truly believe it—but I already know we can.”

With dynamism, confidence, and ruthless execution, Newcastle looked every bit a side ready to challenge beyond the group stage.

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