Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE: Champions League result and reaction after Anthony Gordon hits bar
Newcastle 0-1 Borussia Dortmund: Eddie Howe’s side hit the bar twice but suffered the first defeat of their Champions League return
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Felix Nmecha dented Newcastle United’s Champions League charge as Borussia Dortmund kick-started their Group F campaign with a 1-0 victory on Tyneside.
The Germany midfielder’s 45th-minute strike clinched victory at a rain-soaked St James’ Park on a night when three more points for Eddie Howe’s men, who twice hit the crossbar late on, would have left them with one foot in the last-16.
They will now head into tough away games in Dortmund and against Paris Saint-Germain next month with serious work to do to extend their stay in the competition.
And they will possibly have to do it without midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was used as a second-half substitute amid speculation he could be handed a lengthy ban for alleged breaches of betting rules.
Memories of Newcastle’s 4-1 demolition of PSG earlier this month faded as last season’s Bundesliga runners-up produced an accomplished away display to remind them that the race for qualification from Group F has a long way to go.
Follow the reaction below plus get the latest odds and tips for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund right here:
Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle
Sean Longstaff admits he can scarcely believe how far he and Newcastle have come in the last two years.
The 25-year-old midfielder’s future looked to lie away from St James’ Park during the latter stage of the Mike Ashley era, but he has revived his career spectacularly since Amanda Staveley’s consortium completed its takeover in October 2021.
Longstaff will head into Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund having established himself in Eddie Howe’s team at the club he supported as a boy and being touted as a future England international.
Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle
The midfielder’s future looked to lie away from St James’ Park before the takeover went through.
Longstaff on Newcastle’s ‘impossible’ dream
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff says it seemed impossible that the club would be preparing for a Champions League match two years ago.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently top of Group F after a 4-1 home win against Paris St-Germain and a goalless draw at AC Milan. They face Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park this evening.
"Even sat here doing a press conference before a Champions League game seemed impossible," said Longstaff, "To be in this position now is a real privilege.
"It’s a competition I’ve watched since I was a little kid, to finally be playing in it is something I am trying to take in my stride."
Eddie Howe opens up on ‘hardest part ahead’ for Sandro Tonali
Eddie Howe had admitted the hardest part is yet to come for Sandro Tonali who could face a lengthy ban if he is found to have breached betting rules by an ongoing investigation in Italy.
Tonali and Newcastle do not yet know when he will discover his fate, but head coach Howe is convinced the support he has received to date will help him whatever comes his way.
“Let’s wait and see, but yes, I think the hardest part is ahead regardless of what happens.” Howe said,
“Immediately, you get a lot of attention and people are talking about the situation. He’s had the love of the supporters today, but that’s difficult to maintain over a long period of time. Who knows what’s ahead?
“I just think it’s great for him to know he’s got the support, not just of the senior management at the football club and the manager, but also the support of the supporters and they’re the most important people.”
Sandro Tonali trains with Newcastle team amid betting investigation in Italy
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali trained with his team-mates on Tuesday morning amid speculation that an investigation into breaches of betting rules was close to reaching a conclusion.
Reports from Italy have suggested the 23-year-old former AC Milan player could learn his fate before Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park, with some predicting a lengthy ban.
However, the Italy international was among the group which trained at the club’s Darsley Park training headquarters as they completed their preparations for the Group F fixture under grey skies and incessant rain.
Sandro Tonali trains with Newcastle team amid betting investigation in Italy
The Magpies face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund prediction
The match will be a hard-fought affair, but Newcastle will not be able to recreate the same energy and motivation they showed against PSG.
Goals are expected from both teams but this one should be more of an equal contest.
Newcastle 1-1 Dortmund.
Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund predicted line-ups
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Borussia Dortmund XI: Kobel; Wolf, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Ozcan; Brandt, Reus, Malen; Fullkrug
Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund team news
The main question surrounding selection will be the outcome of a decision over Sandro Tonali and the investigation into breaches of betting rules concerning the midfielder. The outcome could be announced ahead of the clash, with a lengthy ban expected.
Sven Botman has a knee problem, Matt Ritchie, Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes are also out while Joe Willock is back in training but Wednesday’s match could come too early for the midfielder.
For Dortmund, Julian Ryerson is expected to miss out through illness, with Mateu Morey and Thomas Meunier more long-term injury concerns for the German side.
How to watch Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund
The match is on Wednesday 25 October with a kick off time of 8pm BST.
Newcastle vs Dortmund will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7pm BST, the game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ app.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Newcastle welcome Borussia Dortmund to St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s men will be confident heading into tonight’s match after hammering PSG 4-1 at home in their last outing. The manager has been vocal in the build-up about recreating the hostile atmosphere from that night and no doubt the Newcastle supporters will give it their best effort when the match gets underway at 8pm.
Newcastle have four points from their opening two matches and a victory over the Bundesliga side this evening would give them a secure grip on top spot in Group F.
However, Dortmund have only lost one of their 11 matches across all competitions this season - against PSG in their Champions League opener - and are in good form heading into the match. They’ll be tricky competition and will trouble the Magpies if they are short of their best form.
We’ll have all the build-up, team news and match coverage throughout the night so stick around.
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