Newcastle began Group F with their first Champions League loss of the year, losing 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund at home.
Dortmund pulled Newcastle back to earth following their 4-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain, the French champions, at St James’ Park in their previous European encounter.
The Germans won their first Champions League match of the season thanks to a goal by Felix Nmecha just before halftime.
In the second half, Callum Wilson, who came on for the injured Alexander Isak after just 15 minutes, had a fantastic opportunity to tie the score for Newcastle, but Gregor Kobel made a fantastic save.
Late in the game, Newcastle was denied twice by the woodwork: Anthony Gordon’s stoppage-time attempt crashed off the bar, and Wilson headed against it from a free kick.
Eddie Howe’s team, who had led the group going into the evening, is now third in the standings, three points behind Dortmund. PSG leads the standings with six points following a 3-0 victory over AC Milan at home.
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In order for the Premier League team to advance to the knockout stages, the Magpies still have a lot of work ahead of them when they go to play Dortmund and PSG next month.
But Manchester City defeated Young Boys 3-1 in the second half thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland, maintaining the holders’ perfect record in the group stage.
The Norwegian gave City a scare in Switzerland by ending his goal drought with a penalty and then a rasping right-footed effort. Prior to this, he had gone five games, or 543 minutes, without a goal in the competition.
On the defender’s return to his own country, Manuel Akanji gave the visitors the lead after a goalless first half in which City wasted numerous opportunities. However, the triple winners were quickly caught off guard when Meschack Elia scored a brilliant chip over Ederson during the break.
A goal by City’s Julian Alvarez was disallowed by VAR due to a handball by Jack Grealish during the build-up. However, with just over 20 minutes remaining, Haaland scored from the penalty spot after Rodri was fouled, and in the dying moments of the match, he finished high and with his right foot.
Due to the outcome, City must win one of their final three Champions League games in order to advance to the next round.
