Nick Woltemade silenced his critics in style as Newcastle United thrashed Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in the Europa group stage on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old forward, whose £69 million transfer was dismissed as “idiotic” by Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge before the game, struck in the 17th minute with a clever flick that deflected off Kevin Mac Allister and wrong-footed goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. The goal marked his third in four appearances for the Magpies.
Anthony Gordon converted two penalties—one in the closing stages of the first half and another just past the hour mark—before substitute Harvey Barnes sealed the win with a composed finish late on.
The victory at Lotto Park was Newcastle’s biggest in a European group-stage tie and secured their first points of the campaign following an opening defeat to Barcelona. It was also their first away triumph in the competition since Sir Bobby Robson’s side beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in 2003.
Sandro Tonali and Anthony Elanga impressed throughout, with the latter tormenting Union’s defence and winning the opening penalty after being fouled by Fedde Leysen. Gordon converted coolly to double the lead before half-time.
Though the Belgian side threatened after the restart, with Nick Pope pulling off crucial saves from Adem Zorgane and Ousseynou Niang, Newcastle’s composure prevailed. The second penalty, awarded via VAR for a Leysen handball, killed off any hopes of a comeback.
Barnes added gloss to the scoreline in the 80th minute, finishing off a slick move involving Will Osula.
The result puts Eddie Howe’s men firmly back in contention in their group, offering a timely boost after a disappointing start to their European campaign.
