Edin Terzic says he noticed something Newcastle players have done ‘often’ this season

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Newcastle United could not find a way past Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Eddie Howe’s side huffed and puffed but failed to score at St James’ Park which, considering just how many goals Newcastle have plundered of late, is seen as a major disappointment.

Watching the game, it was obvious Dortmund relied on their much broader Champions League experience. There certainly didn’t appear to be a huge amount of difference in quality between the two teams, just the German side took the chance presented to them.

Still, their manager had some interesting comments after the game.

Newcastle news: Dortmund manager shares new insight into Eddie Howe’s team

Indeed, Edin Terzic admitted he had seen something from Howe’s team.

With the goal coming from a counter after Anthony Gordon had been robbed of the ball in Dortmund’s half, Terzic said stopping Newcastle playing a “low pass” was something his team had worked on.

“That’s the crucial aspect,” he said (via Ari on X.)

“It’s the pattern they often use first, always opting for the low pass into the center in front of the defensive line – and we wanted to aggressively intercept that, something we haven’t consistently done well in recent times. In that moment, it was outstanding.”

Newcastle vs Dortmund: Germans did their homework in Champions League tie

That, really, was the perfect away performance from Dortmund. Given the all-important goal had come from exactly the scenario mentioned above, you’d have to say their game plan worked to a tee.

As per the Champions League’s official website, Newcastle had more of the ball and edged it in terms of attempts on goal.

While Howe’s team were unlucky in that they hit the bar twice, Dortmund had largely held them at an arm’s length, albeit Callum Wilson should probably have scored.

It was a lesson in how to manage the game at this level. Ride your luck at times, defend solidly and take the chance when it comes.

Newcastle have a lot to learn.