Newcastle United faced a second disappointing defeat in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. Eddie Howe’s team fell behind 26 minutes into the game when Niclas Fullkrug scored a goal. After the goal, Dortmund fans protested against UEFA by throwing paper tennis balls and fake gold bars onto the field, holding up a banner criticizing the governing body. Newcastle made some second-half substitutions, but ultimately lost the match when Dortmund scored again in the 79th minute.
Now, the question remains if Newcastle can still qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League. To ensure qualification, they need to win their final two Group F matches against AC Milan at home and Paris Saint-Germain away. Even then, there is still a possibility of elimination. Newcastle is in a precarious position due to head-to-head record, so they need at least another four points to finish above Dortmund.
Furthermore, there is discussion about whether the replacement of Callum Wilson with Anthony Gordon improved Newcastle’s attack. Wilson had a lackluster performance in his first Champions League start, leading to his substitution at halftime. Gordon’s performance in the second half did improve the team’s attacking capabilities, showcasing his fitness and speed.
Additionally, there’s insight into why Lewis Hall was substituted at halftime for a second time. Despite early substitution in previous matches, Hall’s bookings and the need for more experience led to his substitution in this game as well.
Looking ahead, Newcastle faces Bournemouth in their next match. The game presents an opportunity for Newcastle to maintain their winning momentum in domestic competitions as they head into the year’s final international break.
Overall, the defeat against Dortmund presents several challenges for Newcastle, but the team remains focused on their upcoming fixtures.
