NEWCASTLE, England: Borussia Dortmund rekindled their hopes in Champions League Group F with a gritty 1-0 victory at Newcastle United thanks to Felix Nmecha’s clinical first-half strike on Wednesday (Oct 25).
Nmecha’s first-time finish near the end of a high-octane opening half proved enough for the Bundesliga side to post their first win in the group at the third time of asking.
After a wide-open first half, Dortmund defended their lead solidly after the break although Callum Wilson headed a chance against the crossbar and Newcastle struck the woodwork again deep into stoppage time.
Defeat was an anti-climax for Newcastle after their win over Paris St Germain in the previous match, and the group is now wide open. PSG have six points with Newcastle and Dortmund both on four points and Milan on two.
Newcastle had scored 18 goals in all competitions in seven home games this season, including four in a stunning demolition of PSG earlier this month.
But Dortmund proved a far harder nut to crack as they demonstrated their European experience with some exhilarating attacking play in the first half followed by stern resistance on a foul rainy night on Tyneside.
Nmecha’s first Champions League goal at the end of a high-octane opening half ultimately proved decisive.
Anthony Gordon was dispossessed deep in Dortmund territory and the visitors launched a devastating counter-attack with Nico Schlotterbeck clipping back a pass for Nmecha to dispatch a first-time shot past Pope.
Pope had earlier produced some heroics to keep Dortmund out, blocking a shot by Donyell Malen after he was played through on goal and then making a stunning double save to first thwart Malen and then Niclas Fullkrug’s follow-up.
Gordon was Newcastle’s best attacking player and twice came close for the hosts in a frenetic opening to the game, forcing excellent saves from Gregor Kobel on both occasions.
Wilson, who replaced the injured Alexander Isak early on, should have scored shortly after the break but fired his shot straight at Kobel.
Dortmund stifled Newcastle after that but needed some luck in the dying minutes to go home with the points.
First Wilson headed a Matt Targett cross against the woodwork, and with almost the last kick of the game Gordon’s deflected shot looped against the crossbar.