UCL: Newcastle qualification hope sinks after 2-0 defeat to Dortmund
Newcastle’s chances of making it to the Champions League knockout stages were severely damaged when they lost to Borussia Dortmund.
The Germans defeated their English opponents 2-0 in Group F thanks to goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Julian Brandt, who scored twice in the second half after an incredible counterattack.
Joelinton had Newcastle’s greatest opportunity just after halftime, but the midfielder missed Tino Livramento’s cross with a five-yard header.
The Brazil international’s shot was one of Newcastle’s rare clear sight goals, as Edin Terzic’s Dortmund team dominated the majority of the opening half.
Even though the injured visitors played a much better second half, the hosts still had the better chances.
“We weren’t at our best today,” Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle, stated.
“Our typical game’s intensity and caliber were lacking. We still had our moments, and in our opinion, Joelinton’s header was the game’s pivotal moment. If it came in again, he would back himself to score that.”
Following the break, there was another brief interruption to the game as various objects, including fictitious golden bars, were hurled onto the field from the ‘Yellow Wall’ in opposition to Uefa’s proposed Champions League reforms. One banner said, ‘You don’t care about the sport – all you care about is money.’
Newcastle’s debut in Europe’s top league started off nicely with a draw at AC Milan on the road, but they were thoroughly embarrassed on Tyneside by Paris St-Germain.
With Dortmund’s double win over Eddie Howe’s team pushing them three points clear of Newcastle, they now have an uphill battle to make it to the knockout stages. Newcastle’s penultimate group match is away to PSG.
Following AC Milan’s victory over the French Champions later on Tuesday, a loss in Paris would prevent Newcastle, who is currently bottom of the group, from moving forward in the competition.