St. James’ Park witnessed a clash of titans as Newcastle United suffered their first defeat in the Champions League campaign. On a night marred by rain, Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious in a tightly contested match.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side began their journey in Europe’s elite competition impressively, securing a draw against AC Milan at San Siro and subsequently decimating Paris St-Germain at home. The Magpies’ fans were hoping for a triumphant continuation of their European adventure, but Dortmund had other plans. Follow your favourite Champions League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

In a game where Newcastle couldn’t quite recapture the same intensity that stunned PSG, Dortmund showed their resilience and prowess. The decisive moment came in the first half’s added time when Felix Nmecha calmly slotted home, giving Dortmund the lead.

Despite Newcastle’s valiant efforts, Dortmund’s keeper Gregor Kobel proved to be a formidable obstacle, denying Anthony Gordon on multiple occasions and making a spectacular save when challenged by substitute Callum Wilson in the second half. The Magpies came agonizingly close to snatching a point in the dying moments as Wilson’s header rattled the crossbar, and Gordon’s shot was deflected onto the frame of the goal.

Dortmund, however, was not to be outdone. They kept Newcastle keeper Nick Pope on his toes, particularly with an outstanding double save in the first half, thwarting Donyell Malen and Niclas Fullkrug.

This result has added a layer of tension to Group F, making Newcastle’s upcoming match in Dortmund all the more crucial. The rain-soaked Newcastle players left the field disheartened, a stark contrast to their jubilation following the remarkable 4-1 victory against PSG in their last home Champions League fixture.

While Newcastle didn’t perform poorly, they couldn’t match the same level of intensity they displayed against PSG. Dortmund, boasting both experience and energy, proved to be a formidable opponent, comfortably handling the Tyneside atmosphere.

Newcastle’s challenge was further complicated by an early injury to striker Alexander Isak, although the introduction of Callum Wilson added a new dimension to their attack.

Eddie Howe is unlikely to panic after this setback. Although this defeat has made their path to the Champions League knockout stage more challenging, Newcastle remains firmly in the hunt. They now find themselves level on points with Borussia Dortmund but in third place in the group, emphasizing the importance of their return match in Germany.

Despite the immediate disappointment, Newcastle’s Champions League journey is far from over, and they still have a fighting chance to reach the last 16. Get the latest updates from the Champions League only on Nextbet Sports.