Mehrdad Ghodoussi shares honest reaction as Newcastle lose to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League

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Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has praised Eddie Howe’s players following the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

The Magpies were beaten 2-0 in Germany, courtesy of a goal in each half. Niclas Fullkrug opened the scoring, then Julian Brandt secured victory with a smart finish on the counter.

The result leaves Newcastle needing a miracle to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League, with an ominous trip to Paris up next for United.

Howe’s side were beaten by the better team on Tuesday night, with injuries catching up on Newcastle. It was a depleted team in Germany, with Lewis Hall coming in for his first Champions League start in place of Dan Burn. However, he was replaced at half time after an early booking.

We also saw Callum Wilson come off at half time, having felt a tightness in his hamstring. That is a big concern ahead of Saturday’s game against Bournemouth given his injury record.

Newcastle were not lacking effort against Dortmund, but they did lack that killer instinct in front of goal, which was the story of the reverse fixture at St James’ Park.

Mehrdad Ghodoussi bemoans ‘fine margins’ as Newcastle lose against Dortmund

Following the defeat, Toon co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to give his verdict on the performance.

He wrote: “Not the result we wanted, but the boys gave it their all. Fine margins were the difference. Thank you to all of you who travelled to support us. Safe travels back.”

Newcastle not at the required level against Borussia Dortmund

Newcastle were simply beaten by a better team on Tuesday night. They fell behind to a sloppy goal, then failed to create enough chances to get back into it.

The Magpies’ best opportunity fell to Joelinton, but he headed wide after a glorious cross from Tino Livramento. That was Newcastle’s big moment, but the Brazilian blew it.

There was plenty of endeavour from Howe’s side, but Dortmund always looked comfortable. Newcastle were visibly shattered, with the intense run of fixtures catching up on them.

They gave it their all as Ghodoussi says, but it wasn’t to be. Now they must focus on their recovery before shifting their focus towards Bournemouth on Saturday night.