Status: 25/10/2023, 23:04 p.m.
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Dortmund's Felix Nmecha (l) and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon fight for the ball. © Lindsey Parnaby/dpa
On the rise in the Bundesliga - and now also in the Champions League on the road to recovery. With the 1-0 win in Newcastle, BVB averted what was likely to be an early knockout of the Champions League.
Newcastle - Third game, first win - an away coup at Newcastle United has helped Borussia Dortmund get back on track in the Champions League. Similar to the Bundesliga recently, coach Edin Terzic's team also appeared significantly improved in form in Europe's premier class and celebrated a 1-0 (1-0) success at the nouveau riche club from the English Premier League on Wednesday.
In the heated atmosphere of the sold-out St. James' Park, BVB kept a cool head. In front of 45,52 spectators, new signing Felix Nmecha (000th minute) scored the hard-fought victory that helped them jump to third place in the table in the difficult Group F. Another win in the second duel with England at home in two weeks would further improve the starting position.
The short-term absence of Julian Brandt, who complained of muscular problems after a blow to his calf in the game against Bremen, did not seem to cause BVB any major problems at first. Donyell Malen had the chance to take the lead in the second minute when he failed with a shot to Nick Pope. Just eight minutes later, the Newcastle goalkeeper again proved to be a saviour in dire straits with a double chance from Malen and Niclas Füllkrug. But it wasn't just BVB who contributed to a spectacular start to the game. Keeper Gregor Kobel saved his team from falling behind with shots from Anthony Gordon (2nd/11th).
In contrast to the disappointing 0-2 defeat at the start of the group in Paris, Dortmund did not freeze in awe this time, but offered fierce resistance. Driven by Marcel Sabitzer, who came into the team for Brandt, they came close to the opponent's goal again and again. Only Dutchman Malen could have rewarded his team for their courageous performance on one of his many shot attempts.
In addition, the defense did better and better after initial wobbles. Although they were passionately driven by their fans, the hosts did not create any clear scoring chances until the break. Even the knee injury of Emre Can (43'), who had to be substituted shortly before half-time, was dealt with surprisingly well by BVB. Just a minute later, the visitors struck ice-cold. After Nico Schlotterbeck, who first won a ball in midfield and then played the decisive pass, Nmecha scored from 14 meters with a well-placed shot. It was the former Wolfsburg striker's first competitive goal for his new club and BVB's first Champions League goal of the season.
After the restart, the English responded to this deficit with furious attacks. BVB faltered at times. Callum Wilson (57') got a free shot in front of Kobel, but failed to beat the strong Dortmund goalkeeper. BVB were lucky shortly before the end when the hosts hit the crossbar twice. Dpa