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Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt praises the atmosphere at St James’ Park ahead of crucial Champions League clash

Fresh after scoring the winner against Werder Bremen at the weekend, the German and his teammates spoke highly of Newcastle and the ‘wild’ group both clubs find themselves in.

Taking the time to study his opponents while on international duty with Germany in the USA, Brandt spoke to Pascal Groß, who has played against the Magpies many times since arriving at Brighton from Germany in 2017.

Referencing the fixtures the Black and Yellows played against English opposition last year in the Champions League, Brandt expects a much feistier atmosphere in the North East.

“A very good atmosphere awaits us there. It’s different from City or Chelsea,” he said in a club briefing.

“Even though they produced a very good performance against PSG, we must go there full of confidence. The group is so wild that anything can happen. We absolutely need a victory.” 

Last time out Dortmund earned a point at home against Milan, and before that they succumbed to a 2-0 loss in Paris. The urgency to get more points on the board is evident from the Dortmund players.

“We must come away with something! We have only one point from two matches,’’ said Dortmund and Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

“We must embrace the fight from the beginning,’’ he continued. It will be a tough battle against a very physical team that always goes full-throttle.”

Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is very familiar with and is full of praise for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe, who he knows from his time as assistant manager to Slaven Bilic at West Ham.

“It will be an intensive challenge that we’re extremely looking forward to,” said Terzic.

“I still know and appreciate (Howe) from my time in England. (He’s) an excellent coach.”

Dortmund are currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, but by their own admission their points tally in Europe this campaign is far from ideal.

Newcastle on the other hand are unbeaten in the Champions League so far, with a hard earned point away to Milan and earning all three points against PSG, in what Dortmund describe as a ‘statement win’.