Newcastle’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League were dented as they fell to defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Niclas Fullkrug opened the scoring for the hosts midway through the first half. German machine Julian Brandt added a second from a superb counter-attack late on as the Germans completed a Group F double over their English opponents.
Newcastle’s best chance fell to Joelinton just after the break. However, the midfielder headed Tino Livramento’s cross wide from five yards out.
The Brazil international’s effort was a rare clear sight at goal for Newcastle, with Edin Terzic’s Dortmund side having controlled much of the first period.
“We weren’t at our best today,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. “The intensity and quality of our normal game was missing.
“We still had our moments and Joelinton’s header is probably the key moment in the game from our perspective. He would back himself to score that if it came in again.”
The game was also subject to a short stoppage after the interval as fake golden bars and other objects were thrown onto the pitch from the ‘Yellow Wall’. The objects were thrown as part of a protest against Uefa’s proposed Champions League reforms.
“You don’t care about the sport – all you care about is money” – one banner read.
Newcastle’s return to Europe’s elite competition began in fine fashion with a draw away at AC Milan. The fine start continued when they thrashed Paris St-Germain on Tyneside.
However, they now face an uphill challenge to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Dortmund’s double victory over Howe’s men moved them three points clear of Newcastle. Newcastle still have to travel to PSG in their penultimate group match.
A defeat in Paris would leave Newcastle, now bottom of the group. They would then be unable to progress in the tournament. This is mathematically tricky after AC Milan’s victory over the French champions later on Tuesday.
Newcastle will now be looking to the Premier League for a return to winning ways.
