Champions League Group F has Newcastle United third and not second – This is why

Champions League Group F has Newcastle United third and not second – This is why

Last night, I was looking at Champions League Group F.

Following the 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, I’m sure many of you were as well.

Newcastle United just didn’t get the break, with the visitors entering with a solid game plan and riding their luck in the second half. They rely on their keeper’s great performance and the woodwork (twice) to save them.

Anyway, after PSG’s thrashing of AC Milan, this is how the Champions League Group F looks on Thursday morning:

Like many of you, I was perplexed as to why Newcastle was in third position given they were three goals ahead of Dortmund on goal differential and had the same number of points.

How Champions League group placing are decided, as explained by ESPN:
1) Points
2) Head-to-head points in games involving the tied teams
3) Goal difference in head-to-head matches involving the tied teams
4) Goals scored in head-to-head matches involving the tied teams
— If the above tiebreaker initially involves 3 or 4 teams, it is reapplied to resolve any remaining tiebreaker among fewer clubs
5) Goal difference in all group matches
6) Goals scored in all group matches
7) Away goals scored in all group matches
8) Wins in all group matches
9) Away wins in all group matches
10) Disciplinary points
11) UEFA club coefficient.

So there you have it, Borussia Dortmund’s victory over Newcastle United takes them ahead of NUFC. So, when you’re tied on points, your performance versus that team takes precedence over goal difference.

So, if we lose to PSG by less than three goals in Paris and the two clubs finish even on points, Newcastle will finish ahead of the French club in the final standings.

Stats via BBC Sport:

Newcastle 0 Borussia Dortmund 1 – Wednesday 25 October 8pm