Felix Nmecha scored the match’s only goal as Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund stunned Newcastle United 1-0 in the Champions League Group F match played at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
The Germany midfielder’s 45th-minute strike clinched victory on a rain-soaked night when three more points for Eddie Howe’s men, who twice hit the crossbar late on, would have left them with one foot in the last 16.
BVB made the breakthrough just before the interval, and it was a deserved victory for the Bundesliga outfit, who moved into second position in Group F on four points.
Newcastle are now third, also on four points, with the two sides two points ahead of fourth-placed AC Milan and two behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain in what is a fascinating section.
The two teams will lock horns again in Germany on November 7, with that match set to be crucial, especially as it comes ahead of a trip to PSG for Eddie Howe’s side.
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Dortmund had a brilliant chance to take the lead inside the first two minutes when Marius Wolf released Donyell Malen inside the Newcastle box, but Nick Pope well saved the striker’s low strike.
The Magpies goalkeeper then made two excellent saves in quick succession in the 10th minute, first keeping out Malen’s effort from a clever Marcel Sabitzer pass, before the England international denied Niclas Fullkrug, with BVB passing up three excellent chances early on.
Gregor Kobel was then called into action down the other end to deny Anthony Gordon after Alexander Isak had found his teammate with a pass into the Dortmund box.
Malen whistled one just wide of the Newcastle goal in the 15th minute before Newcastle were forced into a change, with Callum Wilson replacing the injured Isak.
Newcastle face tough away games in Dortmund and French champions Paris St Germain in November and must avoid defeat to boost their stay in the competition.
