Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy starred with a goal and an assist on Tuesday night to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoffs for a place in the Round of 16.
The Guinea international made an immediate impact on the matchday, opening the scoring just three minutes into the contest. Julian Ryerson whipped in a delightful lofted cross from the flank, and Guirassy timed his run perfectly, rising to guide a firm header into the bottom corner to give Dortmund an early advantage.
Atalanta attempted to settle into the game after the early setback, but Dortmund remained sharp and purposeful in attack. Their pressure paid off shortly before halftime when Guirassy turned provider, threading a well-weighted pass through the defence for Maximilian Beier. The forward kept his composure inside the area and calmly fired into the roof of the net to double the hosts’ lead.
The second half saw Dortmund manage the game with maturity, limiting Atalanta’s attacking threat while maintaining their defensive shape. Guirassy’s goal and assist proved decisive on the night, giving the German side a comfortable cushion heading into the return leg.
With the tie now tilted in their favour, Dortmund will travel with confidence, while Atalanta face an uphill task as they look to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
