As matchday- 4 commenced on Tuesday night in this year’s UEFA Champions League, high-voltage matches have set the stage for a thrilling match week in the grandest stage of football. The night started with Borussia Dortmund facing Newcastle United in the Group of Death (Group F). Later in the group, AC Milan hosted PSG at San Siro in a Champions League classic as the battle for qualification turned strenuous.
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Dortmund completes double over Newcastle
Edin Terzic’s men completed the double over Newcastle United as they sank the Magpies with two brilliant goals. Goals from Dortmund’s new signing, Niclas Füllkrug, and the German international Julian Brandt in the 26th and 79th minutes, respectively, placed Dortmund at the top of the group.
Borussia Dortmund came into the match in the backdrop of a humiliating Der Klassiker defeat against Bayern Munich (4-0). It was essential for Edin Terzic and his players that they bounce back from the nightmare and keep their European dreams alive. Eyebrows were raised against the decision of Terzic to start Niclas Füllkrug in the match as he displayed a disappointing performance in Der Klassiker.
Eventually, the trust the manager had in his player paid off as Füllkrug scored the first goal of the game, assisted by another new signing, Marcel Sabitzer. The goal came after a flurry of attack from Dortmund in the early minutes of the game. A silky move outside the Newcastle penalty box resulted in the ball falling at the feet of Sabitzer, who placed a low cross from inside the box for Füllkrug to score an easy tap-in.
The second goal came from a poorly taken freekick by Kieran Trippier, which led to a counterattack. The ball cleared by the Dortmund defense fell for Karim Adeyemi, who launched a quick counter as he played the ball to the in-form Julian Brandt, who took on the Newcastle defense and scored a solo goal.
Newcastle showcased a juvenile performance as Eddie Howe’s men failed to maintain the winning run after a win against Arsenal in the Premier League. Newcastle failed to cope with the quick passes and rigorous battle in the midfield. In all fairness to Newcastle, a reason for such a poor performance is because of the long line of injuries the team has. More than a few key players of Newcastle are out injured, and their engine in the midfield, Sandro Tonali, is out for the season due to a ban. Their only good chance came in the second half for Joelinton, who missed a sitter.
Key Players of the Match
Julian Brandt ran the show for Borussia Dortmund as he earned the Man of the Match award. The 27-year-old German international, in addition to his goal, had five shots and three chances created. The veteran center-back of Dortmund put on an excellent defensive performance as he won every tackle (8/8) and ten recoveries. Niclas Füllkrug and Marcel Sabitzer also showcased a fine display with a goal and an assist.
AC Milan takes their revenge
AC Milan came into the match with sheer determination to defeat the French champions PSG, who had a walk in the park when the two sides met a fortnight ago. The first 45 minutes of the game flew past as it was action from minute one. The game had an open nature, allowing end-to-end attacks from both sides.
Chances came in abundance, and the deadlock broke as Milan Škriniar scored for PSG in the 9th minute. Škriniar arrived at the right place inside the box as Marquinhos flicked the corner to the far post, where an unmarked Skriniar slotted the ball with an easy header. Milan kept their flame alive as they responded within three minutes of the Škriniar goal. Rafael Leao’s surging solo run through the middle of the park dismantled the PSG midfield and allowed Olivier Giroud to take a thumping shot, which Donnarumma saved but to the path of Rafael Leao, who tied the game with an acrobatic volley inside the box.
The pace of the game reduced slightly after the equalizer. Still, chances came for both sides to take the lead as a curving shot from Ousmane Dembele on goal hit the post to keep the score in tandem. AC Milan shifted into top gear in the second half as they took an early lead through Olivier Giroud. The experienced French striker scored a leaping header from a marvelous cross from Theo Hernandez.
The Rossoneri dominated the rest of the game as they ran the show in the midfield. Ruben Loftus-Cheek displayed a dominating performance in the middle with his composure and surging runs. PSG can thank their former Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as he saved the away side from a humiliating defeat. The win reignited Milan’s Champions League hopes as they stay in third place above Newcastle United.
Key Players of the Match
Rafael Leao received the Man of the Match award for his scintillating performance. He scored a beautiful goal and had three shots and five successful dribbles. Olivier Giroud played his part through his winning goal. Ruben Loftus-Cheek produced top work in midfield with five successful dribbles and nine successful ground duels. Theo Hernandez provided an assist for Milan’s opener.
Upcoming Matches in the Group of Death
- AC Milan vs Borussia Dortmund
- PSG vs Newcastle United
Current Standings in the Group
| Position | Clubs | Points |
| 1 | Borussia Dortmund | 7 |
| 2 | PSG | 6 |
| 3 | AC Milan | 5 |
| 4 | Newcastle United | 4 |
