Borussia Dortmund notch first UEFA Champions League win of the season in Newcastle
Felix Nmecha's first goal for Borussia Dortmund secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park in UEFA Champions League Group F.
After no goals and just one point from their opening two European fixtures of the campaign, Dortmund needed a result in the north of England to boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. They needed just 68 seconds to register their first shot on target, with Donyell Malen shooting low at Nick Pope following a quick counter-attack, and that effort was the first of many before the break. Malen was the main protagonist, firing off another five shots - one of which was brilliantly denied by Pope immediately before the goalkeeper also thwarted Niclas Füllkrug from close range - but it was Nmecha who gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time. Another swift move found Nico Schlotterbeck on the left flank, allowing the centre-back to pull back to the midfielder on the edge of the box. Nmecha still had plenty to do, but produced a fantastic first-time finish to break the deadlock - he could hardly have chosen a better time to score his first Dortmund goal. Newcastle occasionally threatened, with Gregor Kobel needing to be alert to twice deny Anthony Gordon, but the visitors more than deserved to be in front at the break.
Unsurprisingly, the Tynesiders pushed forward after the restart as they looked get back on level terms. Shortly before the hour mark, they would have done exactly that if not for Kobel, who marvelously kept out Callum Wilson's attempt from close range. With his side looking to defend their lead, Edin Terzić rang the changes, boosting his backline with the introduction of Niklas Süle. Wilson once again came within inches of beating Kobel as the match approached its climax, but this time, the crossbar came to the 25-year-old's rescue. In the end, Dortmund were able to see the match out, prevailing to leapfrog Newcastle into Group F's second spot, with Paris Saint-Germain currently top with six points. Die Schwarzgelben have four points themselves, and they will look to secure consolidate their place in the top two when they host Newcastle at the Signal Iduna Park on November 7.
Match stats
Not only was the opener Nmecha's first for Dortmund, it was his maiden strike on his fourth Champions League appearance.
This triumph ended Dortmund's run of six consecutive defeats away at English clubs.
Newcastle came out second best against a German outfit for the first time, with this their sixth such encounter.
Dortmund have now lost just one of their 12 competitive fixtures this term.
The Bundesliga outfit have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.
Alexander Isak was making his first appearance against Dortmund since his move to Real Sociedad in 2019.
Champions League Matchday 3 Matchday 3 St James' Park, Newcastle
Full-time: Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
Die Schwarzgelben pick up all three points for the first time in the Champions League this campaign! Felix Nmecha's first goal for the club on the stroke of half-time was the only strike they needed and, while the woodwork came to their rescue on two occasions late on, BVB were good value for the win.
Once again, the bar helps out Dortmund! This time, Gordon's deflected attempt cannot beat the woodwork!
90'
Four minutes of injury time
Can Dortmund hold on?
86'
Wilson hits the bar
The woodwork saves Dortmund! Wilson's header looks to be heading into the top corner, with Kobel rooted to the spot, but it smacked the crossbar instead.
79'
Nmecha makes way
The goalscorer could well prove to be Dortmund's match-winner, and deserves his rest.
Newcastle are pushing forward, but other than that Wilson effort, they have struggled to create any real openings. Credit to Dortmund for preventing them from doing so.
57'
What a save!
Kobel comes to Dortmund's rescue! Wilson seems to have an easy opportunity to equalise, but the goalkeeper produces a fantastic stop to keep his time in front.
52'
Reus fires over
Reus tries to catch Pope from an angle, but his efforts sails over the bar. Still, a sign of Dortmund's intent despite already being in front.
46'
Back underway
Can Dortmund hold on to pick up all three points?
Kick-off!
Half-time: Newcastle 0-1 Dortmund
The visitors are in front at the interval! Dortmund had plenty of chances to take the lead, the majority of which came via Donyell Malen, but they finally took the lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to Felix Nmecha's lovely first-time finish. 45 minutes now stand between Die Schwarzgelben and their first Champions League victory of the season.
The Bundesliga outfit have the lead their performance deserves! They break up the field quickly, allowing Schlotterbeck to pull back for Nmecha just inside the area. The midfielder still has plenty to do, but he places a lovely first-time effort into the corner for his first BVB goal!
Everything is going through the winger right now. Another swift Dortmund move finds him on the right of the box, and his shot his blocked behind for a corner.
15'
Isak replaced
Unfortunately for the Swede and Newcastle, the former Dortmund man is forced off with an injury. Wilson takes his place.
A third effort for the Dutch international, but this time he misses the target, although only narrowly, with an effort from outside the area.
11'
Gordon denied!
Again, Newcastle attack immediately, with Gordon against testing Kobel, this one is from a far more dangerous position, but the German goalkeeper stands firm and chests the ball to safety.
10'
Incredible double save!
How are Dortmund not in front? Pope denies first Malen, then Füllkrug from close range in quick succession to keep his side on level terms. Will BVB regret these missed opportunities?
8'
Settling down
Things have quietened down a little after those crazy opening two minutes. Both teams appear to be settling into the encounter as they get a grasp of their respective opponents.
2'
Gordon denied
Newcastle then go straight down the other end, with Kobel needing to be alert to deny the winger. A frantic start to this encounter!
2'
Huge chance!
Dortmund need just 68 seconds for their first shot on target! A quick counter-attack finds Malen on the left flank, but under pressure from Trippier, his shot is saved by Pope.
1'
Up and running
We're underway here at St. James' Park!
Kick-off!
Players on the pitch
We are minutes away from the opening whistle!
Just over 20 minutes remaining
Not long now before kick-off at St. James' Park.
Füllkrug looking to get off the mark
The Germany international has two Bundesliga goals for his new club, but has not yet found the back of the net in European competition. Can he change that tonight?
Newcastle team news
Eddie Howe, meanwhile makes just one change to the team that beat Crystal Palace 4-0 in the English Premier League at the weekend. Callum Wilson, who scored in that clash, makes way for Alexander Isak - the ex-Dortmund striker who made Bundesliga appearances during the 2017/18 campaign.
Edin Terzić makes two changes to the team that defeated Werder Bremen 1-0 last time out. Julian Ryerson was always expected to be absent and is therefore replaced by Ramy Bensebaini, but Julian Brandt's omission is a late surprise. The midfielder has reportedly picked up a calf issue and is therefore unavailable, with Marcel Sabitzer taking his place.
The summer signing recovered from injury to guide Austria into EURO 2024 at the recent international break, and he played as a late substitute in last Friday's 2-1 win over Werder Bremen. Edin Terzic confirmed he is fit and ready for more action - but he faces a tough task breaking into the Dortmund side given their strong domestic form.
Confident Can
The Dortmund captain said ahead of the tie: "It is a chance to prove that we can also compete internationally away from home. We haven't always done that well lately. But we have a lot of self-confidence at the moment – and we need the points.”
The Newcastle coach says: "It's another real top test. This group was always going to be that way and it's great to be involved in. We knew this would be a tough examination for us, this is a key period in it now. We've made a good start but we can't get ahead of ourselves. This is a pivotal game in the group."
Edin Terzic on Newcastle
The Dortmuch coach is expecting a tough match in the Northeast of England, saying: "Newcastle are in a really good mood. They have made smart transfers and have been building this team for a year and a half. They are first in the group. We have to show a good performance tomorrow and earn a win."
There are four former Bundesliga players in Newcastle's squad. Alexander Isak made five league appearances for Dortmund before moving to Real Sociedad, while Joelinton and Fabian Schär both turned out for Hoffenheim earlier on in their careers. Loris Karius, meanwhile, made his professional debut at Mainz and later featured for Union Berlin during a loan spell.
0:57
Watch: Dortmund defeat Bremen
Edin Terzić's men edged Bremen 1-0 last Friday to extend their unbeaten Bundesliga run to 15 matches.
Newcastle's strong German record
Dortmund and Newcastle have never met in any competition, but the English outfit have faced German opposition on three occasions. Thus far, they are yet to taste defeat - they beat Bayer Leverkusen twice during the 2002/03 Champions League, while they drew with Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0 in the UEFA Cup four seasons later.
Watch: Füllkrug finding his feet at BVB
Die Schwarzgelben will be looking to their summer signing to provide inspiration at the Signal Iduna Park.
Newcastle hitting their stride
The Toon, meanwhile, are finding their groove after losing three of their first four matches in the English Premier League. They are now unbeaten in eight games, and come into this clash on the back of a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace. In European competition, they drew 0-0 with Milan before recording a statement 4-1 triumph over PSG on home turf - Dortmund will need to be on their toes if they are to be victorious here.
Dortmund looking for first win
Die Schwarzgelben have struggled to find their feet so far in this year's competition. They lost 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in their first game, while they drew 0-0 with AC Milan in their second encounter. Still, there is plenty of time for them to stake their claim for a place in the knockouts.
12:00
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You can follow all the build-up and live action as Borussia Dortmund take on Newcastle United at St. James' Park!
