- Newcastle United suffered their first UEFA Champions League defeat with a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, causing a shift in Group F standings
- Manchester City maintained their flawless record in the group stage with a 3-1 victory against Young Boys, needing one more win for knockout stage qualification
In a night of contrasting fortunes for English clubs in the UEFA Champions League, Newcastle United suffered their first defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss at home to Borussia Dortmund, causing a shuffle in Group F standings.
Newcastle’s remarkable 4-1 victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain in their previous European fixture at St James’ Park seemed like a distant memory as they faced Dortmund. Felix Nmecha’s goal on the brink of halftime proved to be the deciding factor, securing Dortmund’s first Champions League win of the season.
The game took a turn when Callum Wilson substituted the injured Alexander Isak after just 15 minutes. Wilson missed a crucial opportunity in the second half to level the score, with Gregor Kobel making a spectacular save.
Newcastle’s bad luck continued as they struck the woodwork twice in the late stages of the game. Wilson’s header hit the crossbar from a free-kick, and Anthony Gordon’s stoppage-time attempt crashed against the bar.
Eddie Howe’s side, previously leading the group, now find themselves in third place behind Dortmund. Paris Saint-Germain tops the table with six points after a 3-0 victory against AC Milan. The Magpies face challenging away fixtures against Dortmund and PSG next month, with work to do if they aspire to progress to the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faced Young Boys and secured a 3-1 victory, maintaining their flawless record in the group stage. Erling Haaland, who had gone without a goal in the competition for 543 minutes, broke his drought with a penalty and a powerful right-footed strike. City, however, had to overcome a scare in Switzerland.
The opening half was goalless, with City missing several opportunities. Manuel Akanji gave the visitors the lead, but Young Boys quickly equalized through Meschack Elia’s brilliant chip over Ederson on the break.
City had a goal disallowed by VAR due to a Jack Grealish handball in the build-up. However, Haaland’s penalty, after Rodri was fouled, and a late right-footed finish sealed City’s victory.
The outcome means that City needs only one more win from their remaining three Champions League games to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
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