(Football news) The hosts, who are sitting on four points in Group F after a thrilling victory over Paris Saint-Germain, go into their first competitive clash with the proudly sponsored clubs; Dortmund, on the other hand, are still looking for their first victory.
Newcastle United triumphed in their most recent Champions League match in Europe, handily defeating rivals Manchester United in a match that will be remembered for decades. The supporters of St. James’ Park witnessed their aspirations come true in real time.
Miguel Almiron gave the Magpies the lead, and by the 50th minute, local boys Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff had increased it to three. PSG then drew one back, but Fabian Schar’s late strike completed an incredible victory that sent the Magpies to the top of Group F.
With Eddie Howe leading them to fourth place in the Premier League the previous season, Newcastle is back in the big time this year. They have won 21 of their last 29 home games in the UEFA competition and have only lost one of their last 29 away games. In the Champions League, they have also won 60% of their home games compared to a more meek 20% away from home.
After winning four of their first four games this season, including a 4-0 victory against Crystal Palace, Howe’s team added four more points to their domestic tally either side of the most recent international break. They have now won six of their past eight games, scoring 20 goals in the process.
Longstaff scored over the weekend, and Callum Wilson added a goal after his injury return. This presents Howe with a fun challenge up front, where Swedish player Alexander Isak has been favored in Europe.
After demolishing Palace, Newcastle rose to sixth in the premier league rankings, positioning them well for a return to European play, where they have never lost to German opponents.
Borussia Dortmund is in the group stage of the Champions League for the 18th time and for the eighth consecutive season, in stark contrast to their hosts, Newcastle, who have just returned to the top of Europe after a lengthy absence. Dortmund has lost their last six away games against English teams in all competitions, conceding at least twice on each occasion.
The 1997 European champions, however, might have their run cut short at the first stage if they lose on Wednesday. With just one point out of a potential six in Group F, their chances of finishing above the ‘Group of Death’ are in jeopardy.
Following their opening-day 2-0 loss in Paris, BVB ended up with a disheartening 0-0 stalemate against AC Milan at home. Donyell Malen’s drive was the closest thing to breaking the deadlock at the Westfalenstadion.
Dortmund would be the first team to go four games without a goal if they were to blank Tyneside again. The team has already failed to score in each of their last three Champions League games, which is as many times as in the previous 28.
Also read: PSG set to play AC Milan in UCL
