Nick Woltemade held back by Joelinton as Newcastle star tries to snatch penalty

Nick Woltemade proved his worth as a £69million signing during Newcastle United's emphatic victory in Brussels, playing a crucial role in securing a vital Champions League win. The towering German striker was a constant threat to the Union SG goal, opening the scoring with a clever flick and showing an insatiable appetite for more. So much so that when Newcastle were awarded a penalty, he had to be restrained from taking the ball off Anthony Gordon.

Joelinton did his team-mate a favour, but it was heartening to see such eagerness among the players to get on the scoresheet on what was expected to be a challenging European night for the Magpies. However, they breezed to victory as goals flowed like fine Belgian ale. With Gordon contributing two flawless penalties, Woltemade's strike and a substitute goal from Harvey Barnes ensured a significant win for United, potentially altering the course of their Champions League season.

Newcastle entered the match under slight pressure to perform following a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in their opening game, and their form this season has been inconsistent across all competitions. Union SG, on the other hand, started their campaign strongly with an impressive 3-1 away win against PSV Eindhoven.

The Belgian side wasted no time in putting pressure on the Newcastle goal, pressing the Magpies hard and nearly scoring within the first five minutes, with Kevin Rodriguez heading just over the bar.

United retaliated at the 12-minute mark when Joelinton's header was deflected wide for a corner, but the resulting set-piece was lacklustre. When the ball fell to the Brazilian again after Union half-cleared, he blasted it over the top.

The 1,000 Newcastle supporters in the crowd erupted in celebration on the 17th minute following a breakdown on the right from Anthony Elanga. Elanga's cross was only partially cleared by Union before Sandro Tonali followed up from the edge of the box to fire at goal, with Woltemade's flick beating the keeper.

This was a much-needed boost for Newcastle, who seemed to be lacking in confidence. They could have doubled their lead when Gordon narrowly missed after another Elanga cross.

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Goalkeeper Nick Pope was tested at the 25-minute mark as Adem Zorgane's mis-hit shot crept low to his left, but he managed to deflect it.

Newcastle continued to press Union, with Kieran Trippier's cross leading to Joelinton heading just wide three minutes later. United then took firm control of the match after Elanga was fouled in the box, and Gordon converted the penalty to the right of the goal, making it 2-0.

Despite a brief period of pressure from Union SG at the start of the second half, the game was essentially sealed at the 64-minute mark when Kamiel Van de Perre handled the ball in the box.

Gordon confidently strode towards the ball, successfully converting a second penalty of the night and extending Newcastle's lead to 3-0. The scoreline was further bolstered when substitutes Harvey Barnes and William Osula combined effectively to tear Union apart through the centre.

The duo exchanged passes before Barnes netted his first goal of the season, sealing the game with just 10 minutes remaining. The Magpies hunted for a fifth goal but were content with a 4-0 victory, much to the delight of the travelling Geordie fans.