Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini fire Borussia Dortmund to winning start in German Cup

Borussia Dortmund began their season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen in the opening round of the German Cup on Monday evening, with Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini combining to provide the decisive breakthrough.

In a match where clear chances were scarce, it was Guirassy who once again proved the difference.

With 79 minutes played, the Guinean striker displayed his trademark sharpness, pouncing on a perfectly measured pass from Bensebaini.

His back-to-goal control and swift turn were followed by a clinical finish, a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous forwards.

The goal was greeted with restrained celebration from Guirassy, who treated it as routine business.

Yet for Dortmund, still searching for rhythm at the start of the campaign, the strike carried significant weight.

The victory ensured safe passage into the next round of a competition that regularly produces upsets.

Bensebaini’s role in the winner underlined his importance to the side.

The Algerian, who had been linked with a possible departure during the summer, demonstrated his value not only as a disciplined defender but as a creative outlet on the left.

His vision and precision in setting up Guirassy reflected both composure and leadership, qualities that drew an emotional reaction as he celebrated with clenched fists.

Despite the result, Dortmund’s performance highlighted areas still in need of refinement.

Their play was often disjointed, with misplaced passes and occasional lapses at the back against an opponent from the lower divisions.

The lack of fluidity in midfield and limited invention in attack gave Rot-Weiss Essen confidence for long spells of the contest.

However, early-season cup matches rarely offer polish, and the priority for Edin Terzić’s side was simply avoiding an early stumble.

Qualification was the word on everyone’s lips, and Dortmund achieved just that.

For a team carrying high expectations in both domestic and European competitions, the manner of victory may not have impressed, but the significance of two key figures stepping forward will not be lost.

Guirassy’s instinctive finishing and Bensebaini’s decisive involvement provided reassurance that the squad has leaders capable of delivering in tense moments.

Dortmund leave Essen knowing there is much to improve but with confidence that the building blocks are in place.

Thanks to Guirassy and Bensebaini, their season is underway with a win and, perhaps more importantly, with belief.