UCL: Dortmund down Newcastle at Signal-Iduna Park

• Borussia Dortmund beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League last night at Signal-Iduna Park
• Dortmund are currently top of Group F with seven points, one above second-placed PSG

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League last night at Signal-Iduna Park. Niclas Fullkrug put Dortmund ahead midway through the first half before Julian Brandt’s late strike sealed the win for the hosts.

The defeat leaves Newcastle with work to do if they are to qualify for the knockout stages. Their next Champions League fixture will be against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the French capital, one that could end their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages if they lose.

Newcastle United are on top of Group F with seven points. Photo/ Times Now.

Speaking after the match, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said his team was not at its best when playing against Dortmund.

“We weren’t at our best tonight, the intensity, quality of our normal game was missing. But in saying that we had our moments… From our side, we weren’t far away tonight. Us at our very best, even with the number of players we have out, are good enough. This game came a day too early. If our best version of ourselves then the result would have been different.” Eddie Howe told Sky Sports.

How Borussia Dortmund Beat Newcastle United

After a terrible day at the office for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, the German side knew they needed to get back to winning ways against Newcastle. The Black and Yellows made three changes from their 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich during the weekend. Karim Adeyemi started in place of Donyell Malen, Marco Reus was dropped to the bench for Felix Nmecha and Niclas Sule came in for Marius Wolf.

Newcastle also made three changes to the team that beat Arsenal, with Tino Livramento replacing the injured Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall and Joe Willock starting in place of Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron.

Both teams started the game well, but it was Dortmund who had the breakthrough in the 26th minute when they reacted quicker to loose balls. Former Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer linked up with Niclas Fullkrug before the latter opened the scoring in a brilliant manner. It was Fullkrug’s first-ever in European club competitions.

Newcastle responded well to the setback, creating several chances. Dortmund goalkeeper did well to deny Fabian Schar and Joelinton moments before the break.

Borussia Dortmund beat Newcastle United 2-0. Photo/ The Mirror.

Eddie Howe introduced Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron ahead of the restart to increase his team’s attacking strength as they needed to get back into the game. Forced up in search of the equalizer, Newcastle were caught on a counter-attack that left Livramento with the task of defending against two players. The 20-year-old backed off Brandt who ended up sealing the win for Borussia Dortmund.