Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Champions League arrival!

Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Wednesday 1 October 2025 5.45pm

The home side keen to try and get on the front foot from the first whistle and they started brightly.

Union S-G forcing a couple of early corners and exerting some pressure, no real chances but showing intent.

Once Newcastle got hold of the game though they started to control play from around the ten minute mark.

Some good passing moves and Nick Woltemade showing well for the ball to link up play, United looking dangerous down the left.

On 17 minutes getting their reward, as an Elanga cross from the right was cleared only as far as Tonali on the edge of the box, his low shot flicked into the net by Woltemade with his back to goal.

Newcastle United then really turned the screw, some lovely interchanges that cut Union S-G apart at times.

As we approached the break, United finally making the scoreline match their superiority, as yet another flowing move ended with Elanga breaking into the box, brought down for a clear penalty.

Anthony Gordon stepping up and such a cool penalty, 2-0.

The early minutes of the second half saw Union S-G desperately trying to get a foothold back in the match. Nick Pope doing really well, commanding his box and safe as houses with some decent saves.

Just like the first half though, Newcastle United quickly calming that early fight and becoming the dominant force again.

Just after the hour mark a brilliant cross from Gordon on the left, a defender’s outstretched arm preventing the ball getting to Woltemade. It needed VAR to flag this but another penalty.

Same result, Anthony Gordon with another quality spot-kick and his third Champions League goal of the season.

Eddie Howe then using his bench to look after the players and the great thing was, United just remaining at the same level.

They got the final scoreline they deserved when another swift attacking move ended with Osula playing in Barnes with a clever ball, just the kind of situation the former Leicester winger loves with a clinical finish.

Newcastle United have announced their arrival in this season’s Champions League!

Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Wednesday 1 October 2025 5.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Woltemade 17, Gordon 43 pen, 64 pen, Barnes 80

Union S-G:

Possession was Newcastle 57% Union S-G 43%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Union S-G 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Union S-G 6

Corners were Newcastle 5 Union S-G 7

Touches in the box Newcastle 24 Union S-G 15

Newcastle team v Union S-G:

Pope, Trippier (Schar 83), Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno (Hall 73), Joelinton (Miley 59), Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade (Osula 73), Elanga (Barnes 73)

Unused subs:

Ramsdale, Thompson, Krafth, Willock, Jacob Murphy, Alex Murphy

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 22 November – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 25th November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (8pm)

Saturday 29 November – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports