Champions League
Encouragement at the right time: BVB back in the race thanks to Nmecha
Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha celebrates after his goal to make it 0-1. photo
© Lindsey Parnaby/dpa
After a poor start to the difficult Group F of the Champions League, many had already written off BVB. But with the 1-0 win in Newcastle, the team regained courage – thanks to Felix Nmecha.
Football teacher Edin Terzić seemed to have been relieved of heavy burdens. With the 1-0 (1-0) at Newcastle United, his previous performance in the The Dortmund team, still without a win in the Champions League, has made its first exclamation mark in the difficult Group F. “We reported back today. It’s now half time. And if we keep playing like this, it will be exciting until the end,” commented the 40-year-old coach at DAZN with a view to the table constellation and the three remaining group games.
After new signing Felix Nmecha’s goal (45th), Borussia are tied for third place with second place England and can make up further ground with a win at home against Newcastle in two weeks. Even leaders Paris Saint-Germain are still within striking distance, only two points ahead. Terzic made no secret of his pride and credited his team with a “fantastic first half”: “We deserved the win with this first half, and we defended it in the second half.”
Although the opponent hit the aluminum twice in the final phase through Callum Wilson (86th) and Anthony Gordon (90th + 5), the 1-0 was a fair reward for a courageous performance by the guests. “We showed a lot of effort, a lot of heart. In the end it was a bit lucky. Nevertheless, we played a good away game,” said Gregor Kobel, but warned against premature complacency: “It won’t get any easier. We have to score maximum points.” demanded the strong goalkeeper, who saved his team from conceding a goal on several occasions.
Match winner Nmecha was particularly happy. Finally, the newcomer from Wolfsburg scored his first competitive goal for his club. The midfielder had already shown improving form in the 1-0 Bundesliga game against Bremen and appeased his critics. Terzic saw his patience with the 23-year-old confirmed: “We see how good he is every day in training.” After his goal from 14 meters, Nmecha sank to his knees and stretched his hands towards the sky. “It was an outstanding goal,” enthused Terzic.