Newcastle’s unbeaten Champions League run came to an end as Borussia Dortmund clinched a 1-0 victory, leaving Eddie Howe’s team with valuable lessons to learn. Despite recent successes, a well-controlled finish by Felix Nmecha proved the difference on a wet night at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe described it as an educational experience for Newcastle as Borussia Dortmund handed the Magpies their first defeat in the Champions League. Following a goalless draw against AC Milan and a convincing 4-1 victory over Paris St Germain in their previous outings, Newcastle were brought back to reality with a 1-0 loss, courtesy of Felix Nmecha’s well-controlled finish.
In a rain-soaked evening at St James’ Park, Callum Wilson had his chances but was thwarted by an outstanding save from Gregor Kobel and a shot that hit the crossbar. Anthony Gordon’s late effort was also deflected and hit the goal frame.
Despite a strong nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, Newcastle lacked the necessary spark in this match. This defeat places them in third position in Group F, with four points, level with Dortmund, and two points behind the leading PSG.
“It was always going to be tight,” the Newcastle boss said. “There are top-quality teams in the group. Tonight is a blow, especially (losing) at home. A lesson in how fine the margins are going to be.
“The ball just wouldn’t go in for us. It was one of those nights. Callum had the first chance of the second half, that was a good one and then we hit the bar twice but just couldn’t force it in.
“Credit to the players, we never gave up, we kept doing the right things. We looked like a goal threat. But we have to be at our best to win and if you dip below that, it is tough to get results at this level.
“Any mistake you make is liable to get punished. We made one and seconds later we conceded so there is stuff we could have done better and when we analyse in the cold light of day, we will take a lot.”
Follow us on all social media platform, @Sportscliffs on Twitter and Instagram and also like our facebook page
