DORTMUND: A late goal from Julian Brandt sealed a 2-0 home win for Borussia Dortmund over Newcastle on Tuesday, severely denting the English side’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout phase.
Returning to the Champions League after two decades, Newcastle traveled to Dortmund needing a win to put them back on course for a place in the last 16, but were outclassed by the German side from start to finish.
The victory saw Dortmund go top of a difficult Group F with two games remaining, three points clear of Newcastle and with the head-to-head advantage.
Paris Saint-Germain can retain their lead in the section by avoiding defeat at AC Milan later on Tuesday.
Injury-hit Newcastle traveled to Dortmund without a full complement of players, manager Eddie Howe losing defenders Dan Burn and Matt Targett to long-term injuries in his side’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on the weekend.
Comprehensively outplayed just three days ago against a Harry Kane-powered Bayern, Dortmund stormed confidently into the match, Niclas Fuellkrug and Karim Adeyemi unleashing fierce shots on Newcastle’s goal within the opening 15 minutes.
The 30-year-old Fuellkrug, a year on from making his Germany debut, broke the deadlock midway through the half, scoring his first goal in the Champions League.
Felix Nmecha, who scored the game’s only goal at St. James’ Park, along with Brandt controlled play in midfield, always seemingly at arm’s length from the undermanned Newcastle defense.
The sides traded blows early in the second, Dortmund’s Brandt forcing saves from Nick Pope either side of a wayward header from Newcastle’s Joelinton.
A tired Adeyemi gave away a dangerous free-kick on the left of the box with 10 minutes to go, but Kieran Trippier’s poor delivery allowed Dortmund the opportunity to counter and kill off the match.
Adeyemi won the ball back and blasted a perfect pass into Newcastle’s half, into the path of the onrushing Brandt.
The Dortmund midfielder made the most of the two-on-one, shaping to pass before steering past a helpless Pope to double the lead.
Dortmund’s win means they are the only side to have beaten Newcastle in the Premier League side’s past 13 matches, having now done so twice in a fortnight.
Brandt inspires Dortmund to damage Newcastle’s last-16 hopes
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Brandt inspires Dortmund to damage Newcastle’s last-16 hopes
- Newcastle traveled to Dortmund needing a win to put them back on course for a place in the last 16, but were outclassed by the German side from start to finish
- Dortmund’s win means they are the only side to have beaten Newcastle in the Premier League side’s past 13 matches, having now done so twice in a fortnight
Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 dates confirmed
- After a record-breaking tournament in January, the competition returns next year from Jan. 8-10
ABU DHABI: The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in 2027 following another record-breaking edition last month, and the registration window is now open.
From Jan. 8 to 10, 2027, teams from across the world will be able to compete in the eighth edition of the region’s Tournament of Choice.
The competition’s three-day format returns after a successful expansion this year that had more than 8,000 people attend Zayed Sports City across a weekend that featured 3,500 local, regional and international players.
In total, 244 teams from the under-8 to under-16 categories competed in the 2026 edition, with 86 international sides, spanning 18 countries, four continents, and a record-breaking 44 girl teams.
Off the pitch, players and spectators were able to enjoy the City Village that played host to entertainment and activations supported by the club’s partners.
This included the e& Gaming Zone, Puma pop-up and Aldar’s showcase of Fahid Island, as well as performances from a DJ and visits from special guests, including tournament ambassador and Manchester City legend Nedum Onuoha, and event host FG.
Teams will compete for the Abu Dhabi Cup, and individual age-group winners will go into a prize draw for their team to win a trip to a City Football Group club, where they will train and watch the first team in action.
Simon Hewitt, tournament director, and director of Football Operations MENA, said the 2026 edition was a “landmark event.”
“It was the first time we had expanded the tournament to three days, and the reaction to that decision was incredible. Players were able to spend more time on the pitch, take in the incredible atmosphere of the City Village, and enjoy the sights and attractions of Abu Dhabi.
“We might only be a month removed from that tournament, but the hard work in preparing for 2027 starts now. Already, teams are asking when they can register, and we expect huge competition for places from all over the world.”
