'Forget win over PSG' - Howe warns his Newcastle side ahead of Dortmund visit
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Newcastle suffered a home Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park, in a result that blew Group F wide open.
After an exhilarating opening spell where Anthony Gordon forced visiting goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into two saves, Dortmund took a deserved lead when Felix Nmecha guided a precise finish into the corner on the counter-attack.
Newcastle struggled to create chances after half-time, with Callum Wilson wasting the best of them with a shot that was straight at goalkeeper Kobel.
Wilson then struck the bar with a late header before Gordon’s deflected effort also hit the bar in stoppage time - but Eddie Howe’s side were unable to find an equaliser.
The defeat leaves Newcastle in third place in Group F behind Paris Saint-Germain and Dortmund, who will host the Premier League side in the return fixture in two weeks’ time.
Follow the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund right here:
Full-time! Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
90+4 mins: Newcastle strike the woodwork again, right at the end of the match but it’s not enough to get themselves an equaliser.
They’ve suffered their first defeat in the Champions League this season on a wet and rainy net at St. James’ Park as Borussia Dortmund inflicted a 1-0 loss on Eddie Howe’s side.
An opening 15 minutes of blistering action saw Nick Pope called into action on multiple occasions including a double save to deny Donyell Malen and Niclas Fullkrug. At the other end of the pitch Anthony Gordon provided the biggest threat for the hosts but Gregor Kobel was steadfast between the sticks.
Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock just before the half-time break, guiding home a lovely finish from inside the area to complete a flowing move from the visitors.
Newcastle had to manage a couple of injuries, one to Alexander Isak and one to Jacob Murphy as they increased the tempo in the second half. Dortmund where disciplined and despite the Magpies twice hitting the woodwork they managed to hold out for the win.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Another free kick for Newcastle is smoked at goal but Gregor Kobel is up to the task and palms the ball out for a throw in deep in his own half.
Can Newcastle get this equaliser?
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
87 mins: Off the bar! Newcastle win themselves a free kick that Matt Targett swings into the box from the left side of the pitch. The cross picks out Callum Wilson who nods the ball towards goal and rattles the woodwork!
Big chance but the ball doesn’t dip enough to sneak under the crossbar.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
84 mins: Jamaal Lascelles takes a shot for Newcastle and sees it blocked. The ball rebounds out to Miguel Almiron who flicks it across to Callum Wilson.
Wilson nods the ball down and there’s a loud shout for handball but it struck the defender on the shoulder and VAR doesn’t overturn the on field decision of no penalty.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
81 mins: That triple change for Dortmund has seen Giovanni Reyna, Sébastien Haller and Niklas Süle come on for Donyell Malen, Niclas Füllkrug and Felix Nmecha.
Bruno Guimaraes gets himself put in the book for a wayward tackle as Dortmund sweep forward through Marius Wolf.
He carries the ball into the box and squares it. Reyna looks to shoot but loses the ball before Newcastle win a free kick after a foul from Haller.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
78 mins: Matt Targett and Anthony Gordon are linking up nicely on the left side of the pitch for Newcastle but neither man can work the ball into the penalty area despite having teammates waiting for it.
Another no nonsense clearance from Dortmund takes place before the manager makes a triple change. Will the fresh legs help out the visitors?
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
75 mins: 15 minutes to play at St. James’ Park. Anthony Gordon is a livewire for Newcastle and is sprinting up and down the pitch trying to make something happen.
A square pass across towards Callum Wilson doesn’t find the target and Dortmund clear their lines.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
72 mins: There is a feel to the game that if Newcastle can get one they’ll go on to score another. Borussia Dortmund are keeping them quiet for the moment though with the substitutes attempting to feel their way into the match.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
69 mins: This is worrying for Newcastle. Jacob Murphy takes a heavy hit and stays on the ground holding his shoulder. Eddie Hpwe takes no chances and whips him off immediately.
Dan Burn also departs with Matt Targett introduced and Joe Willock makes his first appearance of the season to replace Murphy.
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
66 mins: Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy are introduced into the game by Eddie Howe to replace Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. Can they have enough of an impact to get Newcastle back into this match?