‘I have the best job in the world’ – Murphy proud of Newcastle journey after scoring first Champions League goal | OneFootball

Jacob Murphy says he “felt relief” after scoring his first ever Champions League goal in Newcastle’s 6-1 win against Qarabag.

Murphy’s goal in Baku last week was not only Newcastle’s sixth of the affair versus Qarabag, but the first of his Champions League career.

With his side welcoming the Azerbaijani champions to St James’ Park for the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie, Murphy was delighted to finally get his first goal in the competition after over two years of waiting.

“It felt amazing, but I also felt relief as well,” Murphy said. “After my European debut two years ago I was just waiting for my first goal, so it was really nice [to get it].”

The Magpies looked poised to qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time in their history.

On the game, Murphy said: “It’s nice to be back at home. We’ve had four tough away games in a row and it’s just nice to be back in front of our fans.”

“It’s going to be a tricky game, but we’re really looking forward to tomorrow.

“It would be amazing [to qualify for the knockout rounds]. Over the last four seasons this group has been reaching new heights in different ways, if we do [qualify] then we’ll be super buzzed about it.”

Eddie Howe’s side raced into a five goal lead in Azerbaijan, with Murphy adding gloss to the victory with his side’s sixth of the match midway through the second half.

On Newcastle’s red-hot start in Baku, Murphy said: “I think the people who were watching at home would have been blown away with our start. I know I was on the bench. It was a really strong performance.”

“That’s what we’re capable of. Everyone in the Premier League knows that and we’ve shown a good account of it in the Champions League too.”