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Returning to the UEFA Champions League after a 20-year absence doesn’t come without its challenges, but Newcastle United were beginning to make it look like a seamless adventure.
The Magpies enjoyed a great campaign in the Premier League last season, culminating in a fourth-place finish that saw them earn a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.
Despite the massive investment in their squad, Newcastle still shocked a lot of people when they went toe-to-toe with AC Milan in their opening Champions League game, playing out a draw.
They went one step further by outplaying Paris Saint-Germain and coasting to a 4-1 win in their next group game and, with that, they announced themselves as no pushovers.
However, Eddie Howe and his side’s fairytale return to the Champions League hit a snag when they were beaten at home by Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening.
Magpies humbled by Dortmund
For all of Newcastle's energy and passion, they're not an experienced side in the Champions League, and their lack of experience was exposed against Dortmund.
The Magpies showed the exact kind of zeal and work ethic that helped them get favourable results against AC Milan and PSG, but they reacted poorly to going down against Dortmund.
When Felix Nmecha put the German side ahead in the first half, it came as a big blow to Newcastle, and they struggled to get themselves back into the game.
Although Howe’s side eventually enjoyed the larger share of possession, they lagged behind in the more important statistics, including shots on target.
Dortmund, per the standards of AC Milan and PSG, were supposed to be the most manageable opponent for Newcastle in Group F.
However, the fact that they just handed the Magpies their first defeat in the Champions League this season should trouble Howe.
Reality check for Newcastle United
While the 1-0 loss to Dortmund is a reality check for Newcastle United, there are also valuable lessons the club must take from the defeat.
Their high-octane football and the intensity with which they play is commendable, but their tactical awareness and concentration also need to improve, especially against disciplined opponents.
“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,” Howe admitted after the game, as quoted by Daily Mail.
“This is the elite, so any small mistake you make is liable to get punished. We made one just at half-time and seconds later we conceded.
He added:
“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.”
Newcastle had a reality check against Dortmund but four points from a possible nine in what many have dubbed as the group of death is a decent return. Theu still have a good chance of progressing, provided they correct their mistakes.
