UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund, a statement game in the “Group of Death”. A Newcastle win would likely secure them a knockout place in at least the Europa League, while a defeat to Dortmund would spell disaster. With Newcastle riding high on good form, and that 4-1 victory against PSG, could Dortmund turn their European form around and spoil the party atmosphere?
Newcastle United 0-1 Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund tame the storm
Contents
The halfway point of the Champions League fixtures and it was both sides that came flying out the traps. Pope was forced into three early saves, while Gordon was able to force a save on the other side. One early worry for Newcastle came when Isak had to come off with just 10 minutes on the clock. A brilliant counterattack from Dortmund saw them head into the break with a lead. It’s been threatened all first half, but Dortmund got their reward.
The second half was a much slower affair, with Newcastle struggling to break down a very experienced Dortmund side. With the threat of the counter always on, Dortmund were willing to sit deeper and soak up attacks in front of them.
Newcastle had a huge chance to score late on, when Targett dropped a freekick onto the head of Wilson, who was denied by the crossbar.
With just seconds on the clock, Newcastle cracked the crossbar on a night when it just never looked like it was not their night despite a flurry of late corners.
Newcastle United player Ratings:
Pope 7/10 – Made crucial early saves
Trippier 6/10 – Was solid in attack but his set pieces were not up to his normal standard
Lascelles 6/10 – Despite conceding he had a solid game
Schar 7/10 – Constantly wanted to get Newcastle forward
Burn 6/10 – Struggled against a quality Dortmund attack
Guimaraes 7/10 – Looked comfortable in midfield, but lacked support
Longstaff 6/10 – Wasn’t able to get into the game enough
Joelinton 5/10 – Looked out of place on his Champions League debut
Almiron 6/10 – Looked good early but wasn’t clinical enough
Gordon 7/10 – Was a constant positive in attack for Newcastle and could have won it late on
Isak N/A/10 – Went off too early
Substitutes:
Wilson 6/10 – Had a big chance at 0-1 to draw level
Tonali 7/10 – Looked good when he came on, for what is likely his last game for a long time
Murphy N/A/10 – Went off 3 minutes after coming on with a shoulder injury
Willock 6/10 – Looked like a player who hasn’t played in 4 months
Targett 7/10 – His late freekick should have ended in a goal off Wilson’s head but he improved on Burn on the Newcastle left
Borussia Dortmund Player ratings:
Kobel 7/10 – Made a number of massive saves at 0-0 and 0-1
Wolf 7/10 – Solid at full-back
Hummels 7/10 – Was a rock at the back for Dortmund
Schlotterbeck 8/10 – His tackle set up the opening goal
Bensebaïni 7/10 – Kept Trippier and Almiron quiet
Sabitzer 7/10 – Was solid in midfield all game
Can 7/10 – Looked solid before heading off with injury
Nmecha 8/10 – Took his goal well
Malen 7/10 – Had the better of Burn and caused problems
Füllkrug 6/10 – Was fairly quiet for most of the game
Reus 7/10 – Showed his experience
Substitutes:
Özcanat 6/10 – Did well when replacing Can
Adeyemi 6/10 – Full of pace
Sule 6/10 – Came on late
Haller 6/10 – Came on late
Newcastle United vs Borussia Dortmund player ratings – Player of the match
Schlotterbeck
Was not only solid in defence, but his tackle led to the opening goal for Dortmund. With Newcastle pushing for a goal constantly from that point, he was a rock throughout. Kept his shape well alongside Hummels at the heart of the Dortmund defence.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
