Newcastle were taught a lesson by Borussia Dortmund, claims boss Eddie Howe… but beaten manager insists his side still have EVERYTHING to play for in the Champions League at the halfway point of the group stage
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Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle were taught a Champions League lesson by Borussia Dortmund after they slumped to defeat at a soggy St James’ Park.
Felix Nmecha’s fine goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to separate the sides, as the Magpies – who hit the bar twice late on – dropped to third in Group F after three games.
‘We weren’t at our absolute best and in this competition that is a lesson for us because to win games we have to be,’ bemoaned Newcastle boss Howe.
‘This is the elite, so any small mistake you make is liable to get punished. We made one just on half-time and seconds later we conceded.
‘Against top quality teams, it was a lesson for us on how fine the margins are going to be. If you dip below your best, it is tough to get results.’
Eddie Howe was frustrated Newcastle were not able to get anything out of Dortmund clash
Anthony Gordon was left in disbelief after Newcastle rattled the woodwork multiple times
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Newcastle, who also lost Alexander Isak to a groin injury and Jacob Murphy to a suspected dislocated shoulder, next face a return match in Dortmund before visiting Paris Saint-Germain and hosting AC Milan.
‘This was a blow for us, especially at home,’ added Howe.
‘We now have two really tough away games and it’s important we try and get something from those games.
‘But nothing is lost in the group. We are still in there. We are still fighting. But we have got some tough games ahead.’
Borussia Dortmund’s defence, led by Mats Hummels (pictured), rallied to hold on to a 1-0 lead
Dortmund did what PSG never could on their visit in that they started quickly and were able to punish the hosts’ high press.
‘We knew they were going to press us high. We managed it well in the first half but the second was all about them,’ Dortmund boss Edin Terzic told TNT Sports.
‘I wanted the second goal. In the end we found that it was going to be quite difficult to score and then you need to defend and protect.
‘With the first half we deserved to win and the second half we protected the win.’
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