BVB take Newcastle by surprise again
Left behind in the league, close to the finish line in the Champions League: Borussia Dortmund gave the best possible response after the humiliation in the classic. BVB pulled themselves together, deservedly won 2:0 (1:0) against Newcastle United and, should they win again in Milan in three weeks' time, would be in the last 16 ahead of time.
National striker Niclas Füllkrug (26) paved the way with the first goal in the fourth Champions League game of his career, Julian Brandt (79) made everything clear. Particularly valuable: BVB, who fought and played convincingly and also survived a difficult phase, decided the direct comparison with Newcastle in their favor with now seven points.
Süle rotates in, Reus out
Edin Terzić probably didn't need many words after Saturday's display (0:4). The goal for BVB in this landmark clash had to be to do everything differently than against Bayern. In other words: put an end to the defensive mistakes, close the gigantic gaps in the center of midfield, find new aggression, seal off the defensive wing positions. And to become more active himself.
Terzic opted for Karim Adeyemi, who set up the 2:0, to add speed. Niklas Süle at right-back should increase stability, while Felix Nmecha should contribute his dynamism and creative moments. In short: "We have to show a different face right from the start," as Terzic emphasized on Prime Video. Marco Reus sat on the bench, somewhat surprisingly, with Terzic referring to load management in demanding weeks.
BVB then started as if they wanted to publicly declare the Bayern game a slip-up: It constricted Newcastle, who were weakened by injury, and repeatedly tricked its way dangerously down the flanks. Brandt, Füllkrug and Adeyemi had the first good finishes (7th/13th/16th). Defensively, Dortmund were also far more aggressive than on Saturday. The visitors barely got over the halfway line for 20 minutes in front of 81,365 spectators in the sold-out stadium.
Joelinton misses a great chance to equalize
When the momentum seemed to slow down a little, Füllkrug struck and scored the opening goal after a successful combination that he had initiated himself. In the build-up to 1:0, however, there was a clearly incorrect throw-in decision in BVB's favor. BVB's badly shaken self-confidence now returned - although Newcastle put up a fierce fight, the defense remained steadfast. However, BVB did not get away without rattling the chains: Joelinton (45) had the first better opportunity for the Premier League sixth-placed team, pumped up with Saudi oil millions, with a header.
Shortly after the break, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stuck his foot out for a sharp pass (48'). Newcastle improved after the substitutions of Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon and took control of the game in midfield with increased aggression. Dortmund were lucky at this stage, as Joelinton should have made it 1:1 from close range. Terzić then had a hectic discussion with his assistants.
However, the hosts did not buckle in the headwind, they held their own, were present and remained dangerous themselves. A reassuring second goal was a long time coming - until Brandt finished off a perfect counter-attack into a fortunate position.
Niclas Füllkrug scored the opening goal in the Champions League match against Newcastle United, helping Borussia Dortmund secure a crucial win and move closer to advancing to the last 16 of the competition. This was Füllkrug's fourth Champions League game for Borussia Dortmund.
In the following Champions League game for Borussia Dortmund, Niclas Füllkrug could potentially have a significant role, as the team aims to continue their impressive form and secure a place in the tournament's next round.
Source: www.ntv.de
