On the rise in the Bundesliga – and now also on the mend in the Champions League. With the 1-0 win in Newcastle, BVB averted what was likely to be an early knockout from the premier class.
Third game, first win: An away coup at Newcastle United helped Borussia Dortmund get back on track in the Champions League.
Similar to last time in the Bundesliga, coach Edin Terzic’s team appeared in significantly improved form in the European premier class and celebrated a 1-0 (1-0) win against the newly rich club from the English Premier League on Wednesday.
In the heated atmosphere of the sold-out St. James’ Park, BVB showed a cool head. New signing Felix Nmecha (45th minute) scored the hard-fought victory in front of 52,000 spectators, which helped them move up to third place in the difficult Group F. Another win in the second duel with the English at home in two weeks would further improve the starting position.
Brandt is out at short notice
The short-term absence of the recently strong Julian Brandt, who complained of muscular problems after a blow to the calf in the game against Bremen, initially did not seem to cause any major problems for BVB. Donyell Malen had the chance to take the lead in the second minute when his shot was missed by Nick Pope. Just eight minutes later, the Newcastle goalkeeper once again proved to be a savior in dire need with a double chance from Malen and Niclas Füllkrug. But it wasn’t just BVB that contributed to a spectacular start to the game. Keeper Gregor Kobel saved his team from falling behind when Anthony Gordon (2nd/11th) shot.
Unlike the disappointing 0-2 loss at the start of the group in Paris, this time the Dortmund team did not freeze in awe, but offered bitter resistance. Driven by Marcel Sabitzer, who came into the team for Brandt, they kept getting closer to the opponent’s goal. Only the Dutchman Malen could have rewarded his team for their courageous performance in one of his many shot attempts.
Defense is improving
In addition, the defense did better and better after initial wobbles. Despite being passionately urged on by their fans, the hosts did not create a clear scoring opportunity until half-time. BVB even dealt with the knee injury of Emre Can (43′), who had to be substituted shortly before half-time, surprisingly well. Just a minute later, the guests struck ice cold. After preparatory work by Nico Schlotterbeck, who first won a ball in midfield and then played the decisive pass, Nmecha scored with a well-placed shot from 14 meters. For the former Wolfsburg player it was the first competitive goal for his new club and the first Champions League goal for BVB this season.
The English responded to this deficit with furious attacks after the restart. BVB began to falter at times. Callum Wilson (57th) got a free shot in front of Kobel, but was denied by the strong Dortmund goalkeeper. BVB were lucky shortly before the end when the hosts hit the crossbar twice.
BVB squad information about the game facts about the game
Source: Stern
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