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| Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the team's second goal with Niclas Fullkrug of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United FC at the Signal Iduna Park on November 7, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. |
Newcastle's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League were dented as they fell to defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Niclas Fullkrug opened the scoring for the hosts midway through the first half and Julian Brandt added a second from a superb counter attack late on as the Germans completed a Group F double over their English opponents.
Newcastle's best chance fell to Joelinton just after the break, but the midfielder headed Tino Livramento's cross wide from five yards out.
The Brazil international's effort was a rare clear sight at goal for Newcastle, with Edin Terzic's Dortmund side having controlled much of the first period.
The hosts enjoyed the better opportunities despite a much-improved second-half display from the injury-hit visitors.
"We weren't at our best today," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
"The intensity and quality of our normal game was missing. We still had our moments and Joelinton's header is probably the key moment in the game from our perspective. He would back himself to score that if it came in again."
The game was also subject to a short stoppage after the interval as fake golden bars and other objects were thrown onto the pitch from the 'Yellow Wall', part of a protest against Uefa's proposed Champions League reforms, with one banner reading 'You don't care about the sport - all you care about is money.'
Newcastle's return to Europe's elite competition began in fine fashion with a draw away at AC Milan before they were thrashed by Paris St-Germain on Tyneside.
However, they now face an uphill challenge to qualify for the knockout rounds, with Dortmund's double victory over Eddie Howe's men moving them three points clear of Newcastle, who travel to PSG in their penultimate group match.