UEFA Champions League

Haaland inspires City, Newcastle suffer injuries in loss to Dortmund

25 Oct 2023
Man City, Haaland

Man City striker scores twice in win over Young Boys while Magpies taste first defeat in competition

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Manchester City and Erling Haaland warmed up in perfect fashion for the Manchester derby as the Norwegian scored twice to help his side beat Young Boys 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League.

Newcastle United however suffered a setback in more ways than one as Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy suffered injuries in a 1-0 defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund. 

How Man City's match unfolded

City were full value for their success in Switzerland as they dominated the first half.

Young Boys goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi was extremely busy in the opening 45 minutes as he denied Rodri and Jeremy Doku.

Matheus Nunes also shot over the bar from close range and City had another strike cleared off the line.

However the visitors did not have to wait long to open the scoring in the second half as Manuel Akanji, in his home country of Switzerland, gave them the lead in the 48th minute.

The centre-back tapped in after Ruben Dias had his initial effort tipped onto the crossbar from a City corner.

But only four minutes later, City surrendered their lead when a superb chip from Meschack Elia brought the hosts level.

The defending champions stepped up a gear again though, and a 67th-minute penalty from Haaland after Rodri had been fouled restored their lead.

Haaland then gave the scoreline a true reflection of the match as he showed his class four minutes from time by moving the ball onto his right foot before curling it brilliantly into the top-right corner.

Pep Guardiola's side are now unbeaten in their past 16 Champions League matches, winning 10 and drawing six, with only Manchester United between 2007 and 2009 ever having a longer run without defeat among English teams in the competition.

And City have won all three of their opening matches to all but secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as they prepare for Sunday's mouthwatering contest against neighbours Man Utd at Old Trafford.

See: Man City's report and line-up

Newcastle’s eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end as they fell to a home defeat to Borussia Dortmund, who secured their first victory in England since March 2016.

How Newcastle's match unfolded

The encounter at St. James' Park began in superb fashion with both sides producing chances in the opening 15 minutes.

Nick Pope stood tall to deny Donyell Malen before making a tremendous double save from the Dutch forward and Niclas Fullkrug.

Either side of those chances for Dortmund were two opportunities for Anthony Gordon, who had both of his efforts beaten away by Gregor Kobel.

But as the contest settled, Dortmund grew into the match, and claimed a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time through Felix Nmecha.

Chances came few and far between for Newcastle in the second half but they did strike the crossbar twice in the final four minutes through substitute Callum Wilson and Gordon.

Kobel also made another excellent save to preserve his clean sheet when he blocked Wilson's close range effort.

It was a disappointing night for Newcastle as they suffered a home defeat in Europe for the first time in 24 matches, since losing to Barcelona in March 2003.

Newcastle drop to third in their group and remain on four points after three matches.

Injury woe for Newcastle
Jacob Murphy

But the biggest concern of the night were injuries to Isak and Murphy as Eddie Howe revealed what happened to the pair in his post-match interview.

"That [Isak going off] was a blow and Jacob came off with what looks like a serious injury.

"We've got a small squad as is it. That's probably the most disappointing thing of the night.

"It looks like a recurrence of his [Isak's] groin problem and it's a big blow. Jacob looks serious, potentially a dislocation of his shoulder."

They will hope to find a better result this Saturday when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

See: Newcastle report and line-up

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