Newcastle fans descend on Dortmund for the Magpies Champions League group stage crunch against the Bundesliga giants
- Newcastle face a draw against Dortmund, with the teams level in the group
- Thousands of Newcastle supporters have made the journey to watch their team
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Thousands of Newcastle supporters have descended on Dortmund ahead of their crucial Champions League group stage match as Eddie Howe’s side look to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Newcastle received just over 3,000 tickets for the match against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
Reports say as many as 10,000 Newcastle fans made the trip to enjoy the atmosphere, despite many not having tickets.
In the hours leading up to kick-off, supporters gathered at the Alten Markt in Dortmund.
A stage has been set up in the square with music to entertain Newcastle fans ahead of the match, which starts at 5.45pm GMT.
Newcastle fans have traveled en masse to Dortmund for their Champions League match
Fans have gathered at the Alten Markt in Dortmund in the hours leading up to kick-off
Newcastle posted a clip on their social media channels of former striker Shola Ameobi meeting fans in the city.
Ameobi was part of a memorable victory for Newcastle in Germany in the 2002–03 Champions League, scoring twice in a 3–1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
The Magpies are enjoying their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since their 2003 run.
Footage from the Toon Army on social media showed good-humoured fans enjoying pre-match drinks and singing in the square.
The match could be crucial for both teams’ prospects of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.
Dortmund’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in the reverse fixture saw the Bundesliga giants move above Howe’s side into second place in the group.
Newcastle shared images of their former striker Shola Ameobi greeting the crowd in Dortmund
Newcastle face a tough task against the Bundesliga side at Signal Iduna Park
A win would give Eddie Howe’s side a major boost in their bid to reach the knockout stages
Both teams are locked on four points, two behind group leader PSG.
Newcastle will face a tough task at Signal Iduna Park after being hampered by injuries ahead of the match.
Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy are among those unavailable for Newcastle’s second away match in the Champions League.
Dan Burn was added to the injury list after suffering a back injury during Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.