Champions League
BVB is shaking its way to victory – RB Leipzig is about to reach the round of 16
Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha celebrates after his goal to make it 0-1 in the Champions League
© Lindsey Parnaby / DPA
On the rise in the Bundesliga – and now also on the mend in the Champions League. With the 1-0 win in Newcastle, BVB averted what was likely to be an early knockout from the premier class. RB Leipzig is also on course for the round of 16.
Third game, first win – Borussia Dortmund also has an away coup at Newcastle United Helped the Champions League back on track. Similar to last time in the Bundesliga, coach Edin Terzic’s team appeared in significantly improved form in the European premier class and celebrated a 1-0 (1-0) win against the newly rich club from the English Premier League on Wednesday.
In the heated atmosphere of the sold-out St. James’ Park, BVB showed a cool head. New signing Felix Nmecha (45th minute) scored the hard-fought victory in front of 52,000 spectators, which helped them move up to third place in the difficult Group F. Another win in the second duel with the English at home in two weeks would further improve the starting position.
BVB with luck against Newcastle
The short-term absence of the recently strong Julian Brandt, who complained of muscular problems after a blow to the calf in the game against Bremen, initially did not seem to cause any major problems for BVB. Donyell Malen had the chance to take the lead in the second minute when his shot was missed by Nick Pope. Just eight minutes later, the Newcastle goalkeeper once again proved to be a savior in dire need with a double chance from Malen and Niclas Füllkrug. But it wasn’t just BVB that contributed to a spectacular start to the game. Keeper Gregor Kobel saved his team from falling behind when Anthony Gordon (2nd/11th) shot.
Unlike the disappointing 0-2 loss at the start of the group in Paris, this time the Dortmund team did not freeze in awe, but offered bitter resistance. Driven by Marcel Sabitzer, who came into the team for Brandt, they kept getting closer to the opponent’s goal. Only the Dutchman Malen could have rewarded his team for their courageous performance in one of his many shot attempts.
In addition, the defense did better and better after initial wobbles. Despite being passionately urged on by their fans, the hosts did not create a clear scoring opportunity until half-time. BVB even dealt with the knee injury of Emre Can (43′), who had to be substituted shortly before half-time, surprisingly well. Just a minute later, the guests struck ice cold. After preparatory work by Nico Schlotterbeck, who first won a ball in midfield and then played the decisive pass, Nmecha scored with a well-placed shot from 14 meters. For the former Wolfsburg player it was the first competitive goal for his new club and the first Champions League goal for BVB this season.
The English responded to this deficit with furious attacks after the restart. BVB began to falter at times. Callum Wilson (57th) got a free shot in front of Kobel, but was denied by the strong Dortmund goalkeeper. BVB were lucky shortly before the end when the hosts hit the crossbar twice.
RB Leipzig wins against Red Star Belgrade
First dominant, then briefly trembling: RB Leipzig celebrated a groundbreaking victory in the Champions League and can move into the round of 16 in just two weeks. Coach Marco Rose’s team ultimately won comfortably 3-1 (1-0) against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday and, as second in Group G, can complete the knockout phase with a win in the second leg in two weeks. In front of 42,209 fans, national players David Raum (13th), Xavi Simons (59th) and Dani Olmo (84th) scored for the hosts, while Marko Stamenic (70th) scored the next goal.
Belgrade’s Israeli coach Barak Bakhar reported before the game that his wife and three children had to seek protection from attacks at home almost every day. During the game, the 44-year-old wore an Israeli flag as a pin on his right chest in his black suit. Bakhar expressly thanked the German Football Association and the clubs for their support.
The Serbian fans created a wonderful premier class atmosphere long before kick-off. 3,400 Red Star supporters took part in a fan march from the city center to the stadium; in the arena, far more than the 2,500 fans in the guest block were in the mood for the 13-time Serbian champion. Leipzig fans complained via X, formerly Twitter, that their block was full of opposing fans. However, the mood remained peaceful.
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Leipzig had a clear preponderance on the pitch from the start. And that also led to the early lead. After successful counter-pressing, Simons served space and the German international scored his first goal in the Champions League, confirming the good form he has been in for weeks. Four minutes later, Leipzig had a double chance to score their second goal. First Yussuf Poulsen’s shot failed, then Castello Lukeba’s header was missed by Belgrade’s strong goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
By halftime, Leipzig increased its possession of the ball to 70 percent, but did not create any further top chances. And the Serbs, for their part, became dangerous. Janis Blaswich (23rd) first saved against Mirko Ivanic and a few seconds later against Milan Rodic. Five minutes later, referee José María Sánchez pointed to the penalty spot; the Spaniard had seen a foul by Lukeba on Peter Olayinka. However, the video evidence clearly showed that the Leipzig player had played the ball.
Belgrade showed significantly more courage after the change and repeatedly found gaps in Leipzig’s defensive line. However, the guests needed too much time to make decisions, so good ideas didn’t create any opportunities. RB gave up some control of the game and initially tried a quick switching game.
However, a stroke of genius led to the preliminary decision. The already strong Simons came free from a good 20 meters and flicked the ball wonderfully into the corner. Even Glazer, who had been impeccable until then, was powerless. The goal calmed Leipzig’s nerves and RB regained more control of the game. But Glazer continued to thwart the chances, including a free kick from Openda (64′) from the edge of the penalty area and a shot from Simons (67′).
On the other side, Stamenic shortened the gap by converting a deflected shot from Aleksandar Dragovic. Belgrade gained hope – but Olmo gave Leipzig relief with a goal after a crossbar header from Christoph Baumgartner.