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Anthony Gordon aiming for ultimate 'shut up' as Newcastle prepare for biggest game of the season
There was something completely refreshing about Anthony Gordon's frank comments after Newcastle's win over Chelsea last weekend.
The England winger didn't shy away from the jibes aimed at him after missing the Magpies' Champions League first leg tie with Barcelona and addressed them head-on.
He explained to pundits such as Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, who questioned his decision not to play, by explaining how ill he was in the days leading up to the game and the reason he didn't shake Rooney's hand on the night, due to not wanting to spread any illness.
The excellently executed rebuttal was perfectly in keeping with the deadliness he's shown on the pitch in the Champions League this season, and now the stage is set for him to strike another killer blow.
All about Anthony
While Newcastle's form in the Premier League has been full of inconsistencies, in Europe, they've thrived and in particular Gordon.
In this season's competition, only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals than the Magpies star.
He scored against Barcelona in Matchday 1, a 2-1 home defeat, and then notched a brace in the 4-0 victory at Union St Gilloise two weeks later. The goals continued to flow as Gordon scored in a 3-0 home win over Benfica and a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen before Christmas.
As 2026 rolled in, he was at it again, finding the net in a 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park. A 1-1 draw at holders PSG sent Newcastle into a play-off with Qarabag, where they won with Gordon scoring four times in a thumping 6-1 first leg win.
Those goals took him to 10 for the campaign and means he is now the club's top scorer in European competition, eclipsing club legend Alan Shearer.
Target Barcelona
After illness ruled him out last week - an illness he was more than happy to explain - Gordon now hopes to carry on his European form in Barcelona tonight.
The tie is finely balanced after a 1-1 in the first leg, achieved without the Newcastle number 10, and now Eddie Howe is ready to unleash his main man on the Catalans in the hope of progressing to the final eight.
Having perfectly executed a win over Chelsea at the weekend, the same blueprint could be used in Spain, with Gordon the key element on the break that could cause Barcelona problems.
Turning over Hansi Flick's team will be no easy feat. They are yet to lose at the Nou Camp in La Liga or Europe, but Newcastle have twice frustrated their Spanish opponents without reward and with Gordon ready to prove a point, the ultimate two fingers to those who doubted him would be to add to his glowing reputation by dumping Barca out.
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How to watch Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
