Newcastle United hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage hang in the balance after losing 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund.
Eddie Howe sprung a surprise when naming his starting XI. Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento were handed Champions League debuts, while Joe Willock returned with the injured Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron making way.
United had just begun to settle at the Signal Iduna Park when the hosts took the lead in the 26th minute through Niklas Fulkrug’s close-range strike.
And it was a similar story after the break. Newcastle threatened an equaliser but Dortmund added a killer second from a counter-attack that Julian Brandt capped off.
The defeat leaves Newcastle three points behind Dortmund heading into the final two Group F matches away to Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan at St James’ Park.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings:
1. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: Players of Newcastle United pose for a photo prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United at Signal Iduna Park on November 07, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
2. Nick Pope - 6
Made five saves on the night but beaten twice by Niklas Fullkrug and Julian Brandt. There isn’t a lot he could have done about either, mind.
3. Fabian Schar - 7
A typical schar performance. Calm on the ball and made some vital interceptions.
4. Jamaal Lascelles - 6
Grew into the game after a shaky start up against the physicality of Niklas Fullkrug.