Guirassy double gives Dortmund winning Champions League start

Borussia Dortmund made a winning start to their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 home victory over Villarreal on Tuesday night. A brace from Serhou Guirassy, marking his 100th appearance for the club, proved decisive at the Westfalenstadion.

Head coach Niko Kovač's side built on the momentum from two Bundesliga wins to begin the domestic season. Dortmund currently sit third in the standings with six points from two games, having scored five goals while conceding only two.

Maximilian Beier gave Dortmund an early lead. Villarreal equalized through a Santiago Mouriño header, but Serhou Guirassy then took over. His two goals, one from the penalty spot, put BVB in control. A late own goal by Guirassy following a save from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel created a nervy finish, but the home side held on.

The match featured chances at both ends. Defender Waldemar Anton made a key block to deny Villarreal. Dortmund also had to cope with the early loss of Konstantinos Karetsas to injury before the half-hour mark, with Ethan Nwaneri coming on as his replacement.

Serhou Guirassy celebrated his 100th game for Borussia Dortmund with a match-winning double. His first goal was set up by a clever assist from substitute Fabio Silva, and he coolly converted a penalty for his second. He was the clear standout performer.

In the player ratings, Guirassy received the top mark of 8 among the Dortmund squad. His clinical finishing in a major European fixture is a huge asset for coach Kovač.

Despite conceding twice, the defensive unit led by captain Waldemar Anton had its moments. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who earned a rating of 7, made key saves. The back line received solid ratings around the 6 mark.

The team weathered significant pressure from the Spanish side in the second half to secure a vital three points. This result sends a positive message after last season's Champions League disappointment, which saw an early exit to Atalanta in the knockout play-off round.

The opening victory provides a boost ahead of a busy schedule. The immediate focus shifts to the Bundesliga and a home match against 12th-placed SC Paderborn 07 this coming weekend, on September 12, 2026.

The squad must handle this period without several key players. According to the latest injuries report, Filippo Mané, Giannis Konstantelias, Nico Schlotterbeck, and the newly injured Karetsas are all currently sidelined.

The win over Villarreal echoed a 4-0 triumph against the same opponent in last season's league phase, a result that propelled Dortmund to fourth place in the table at that time. The team aims to build on positive European memories and avoid past mistakes, like losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.

Analyst Harry Good noted the impact of a substitute, saying: "The Portuguese made a real difference for BVB after coming on."

The team can look ahead with confidence. The upcoming fixtures, including the important league clash, are listed on the fixtures page. All attention is now on preparing for Paderborn.