Guirassy Stars as Dortmund Beat Villarreal in Champions League Thriller

Borussia Dortmund began their Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Villarreal.

The German side survived several dangerous moments before eventually securing all three points. Serhou Guirassy proved decisive with two goals in the final stages.

Villarreal Waste Early Chances

Villarreal created the better chances during the opening half.

Georges Mikautadze missed from close range after failing to make clean contact. Tajon Buchanan then tested Gregor Kobel, who produced an outstanding save to keep Dortmund level.

The missed chances proved costly after the break.

In the 53rd minute, Maximilian Beier sent a dangerous cross into the area. Villarreal defender Renato Veiga inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net.

Villarreal Quickly Respond

The Spanish side refused to collapse.

Mourino produced a clever flicked header that beat Kobel and restored parity. Dortmund, however, responded strongly as the match entered its final 10 minutes.

Guirassy put Dortmund back in front in the 80th minute. He tapped in a precise low cross from Fabio Silva.

Pakistan Hand Three Players Test Debuts in Bid to Avoid England Whitewash

Three minutes later, Dortmund were awarded a penalty.

Guirassy had won the spot-kick after Mourino brought him down inside the box. The striker stepped up and converted to make it 3-1.

Dramatic Finish at the End

Villarreal were handed a lifeline in the closing stages.

Kobel made a save, but the rebound struck Guirassy in the face. The ball then deflected into Dortmund’s own goal.

The visitors pushed forward in search of another equaliser. However, Veiga sent a late opportunity wide during deep stoppage time.

Dortmund held on for a dramatic victory.

Guirassy Reaches Dortmund Milestone

The match was also a landmark occasion for Guirassy.

The striker made his 100th appearance for Dortmund. His two goals took his total for the club to 64.

His Champions League record has also been impressive.

Since the start of the 2024-25 season, Guirassy has been directly involved in 26 goals across 25 Champions League appearances. Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has a better record during that period.

Villarreal Show Improvement Despite Defeat

Villarreal’s European away problems continued with the defeat.

The Spanish club had failed to score in each of their four Champions League away matches last season. This time, however, they found the net twice and pushed Dortmund until the final whistle.

Dortmund will now return to domestic action. They are preparing to host Paderborn in their next Bundesliga fixture.

Villarreal will also return to league duty. They face Real Betis at home as they look to recover from their narrow European defeat.