- Newcastle face a crunch tie against Dortmund with the teams level in the group
- Thousands of Newcastle supporters have made the trip to watch their team
- CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a clown – It’s All Kicking Off
Thousands of Newcastle supporters have descended on Dortmund ahead of their crucial Champions League group stage match as Eddie Howe’s side seek to boost their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage.
Newcastle were granted just over 3,000 tickets for the match against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
Reports have claimed as many as 10,000 Newcastle fans have made the trip to soak up the atmosphere, despite many not having tickets.
Supporters have been seen gathering in Dortmund’s Alten Markt in the hours leading up to the kick-off.
A stage has been set-up in the square with music to keep Newcastle fans entertained ahead of the match, which starts at 5.45pm GMT.
Newcastle fans have travelled to Dortmund in numbers for their Champions League match
Fans have gathered in Dortmund’s Alten Markt in the hours leading up to the kick-off
Newcastle posted a clip on their social media channels of former striker Shola Ameobi meeting fans in the city.
Ameobi had been part of a memorable victory for Newcastle in Germany in the 2002-03 Champions League, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
The Magpies are enjoying their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since their 2003 run.
Footage of the Toon Army on social media revealed fans in good spirits, enjoying a pre-match drink and chanting in the square.
The match could prove crucial to both teams prospects of reaching the last-16 of the Champions League.
Dortmund’s 1-0 win at Newcastle in the reverse fixture saw the Bundesliga giants move above Howe’s side into second place in the group.
Newcastle shared footage of their former striker Shola Ameobi greeting crowds in Dortmund
Newcastle face a tough task against the Bundesliga side at the Signal Iduna Park
Victory would give Eddie Howe’s side a major boost in their bid to reach the knock-out stage
Both teams are locked on four points, two adrift of group leaders PSG.
Newcastle will face a tough task at Signal Iduna Park having been hampered by injuries ahead of the tie.
Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy are among those unavailable for Newcastle’s second away trip back in the Champions League.
Dan Burn was added to the injury list after suffering a back injury in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.
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