Borussia Dortmund revived their Champions League Group F hopes with a narrow 1-0 win at Newcastle United thanks to a first-half goal from Felix Nmecha on Thursday morning.
Nmecha’s fine finish towards the end of the first half proved to be enough for Dortmund to book their first win in group F.
Dortmund tried to maintain their lead after half-time despite Callum Wilson’s header hitting the crossbar and Newcastle’s chance hitting the crossbar again heading into extra time.
The defeat came as a shock to Newcastle after a win over Paris Saint-Germain in the previous match, and made the competition in group F even tighter.
PSG collected six points, Newcastle and Dortmund both collected four points, and Milan two points.
“In the second half we had to defend a lot but we did it with passion and a bit of luck,” Dortmund coach Edin Terzić told TNT Sport.
“This group will be a very tough fight until the end.”
Newcastle have scored 18 goals in all competitions in seven home games this season, including four in their demolition of PSG earlier this month.
But Dortmund proved much more difficult to penetrate as they showed their experience in Europe by playing an attacking game in the first half.
The two teams will meet in two weeks time at Dortmund in what will most likely be an important contest.
“It will be difficult, but we are in the Champions League. Nothing comes easy,” said Howe.
“You know that you have to win in some difficult places. Now we have to prepare and prepare.”
“I don’t think we deserved to lose today.”
Borussia Dortmund gave their best performance to take three points away from Newcastle United.
“We had a fantastic first half, when we were quick to win. In the second half, we defended it,” said Terzic.
“We invested a lot and gave everything to bring home the victory.”
