Borussia Dortmund dealt a blow to Newcastle United’s UEFA Champions League ambitions on Wednesday evening, securing a 1-0 away victory at a rainy St James’ Park. Felix Nmecha netted the decisive goal in the 45th minute to hand the German side the three points in Group F.
The result leaves Eddie Howe’s men with work to do to progress from the group stage. They face difficult away matches against Dortmund and Paris St Germain next month as they look to build on their memorable 4-1 win over PSG earlier in the campaign.
It was a frenetic start to the game with chances at both ends. Dortmund looked dangerous on the counter-attack while Newcastle threatened through the pace of Miguel Almiron and the skill of Allan Saint-Maximin. Neither side could make the breakthrough though and the teams looked to be going in level at the break.
However, the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time when Nmecha converted following good work from Nico Sclotterbeck. Despite late pressure, Newcastle could not find an equaliser. They struck the woodwork twice through Callum Wilson and Almiron but ultimately fell to a narrow defeat.
Dortmund were worthy winners on the night, producing an accomplished away performance. The result leaves Group F fascinatingly poised with two matches remaining for each side.
WHAT’S NEXT: With League action around the corner, the magpies travel to Wolves while Dortmund take on Eintracht Frankfurt the following day.
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