Guirassy Leads Dortmund To A Strong Start In Champions League Play-offs Against Atalanta

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Borussia Dortmund take a strong 2-0 lead to Bergamo after controlling the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Atalanta, with Serhou Guirassy scoring early and assisting Maximilian Beier, as Nico Kovac’s team created the clearer chances and restricted the visitors to few real openings.

Dortmund’s preparation is disrupted by heavy traffic on the way to Westfalenstadion, forcing a delayed kick-off and a rushed warm-up, yet the Bundesliga side respond with a focused performance that hands Atalanta a difficult task before next Wednesday’s return fixture at New Balance Arena.

From the start, Borussia Dortmund control the Champions League play-off contest, despite arriving late and pushing kick-off back by 15 minutes, finishing with nine attempts and an expected goals figure of 2.1, while Atalanta manage seven shots worth only 0.47 xG and fail to seriously test the defence.

The performance also means Atalanta suffer consecutive defeats without scoring for the first time in major European competition, underlining Borussia Dortmund’s strong Champions League play-off position, although Beier highlights missed second-half opportunities that might have finished the tie before the trip to Bergamo.

Guirassy’s opener arrives after just two minutes and four seconds, making it Borussia Dortmund’s earliest goal in the Champions League since Andreas Moller scored inside the opening minute against Juventus in September 1995, and it strengthens an impressive personal record across recent European campaigns.

Since the start of last season, Guirassy has contributed to more Champions League goals than any other player, with 17 goals and seven assists, and that output is central to Borussia Dortmund’s ambitions as the club extend an eight-match unbeaten home run in Champions League knockout ties, with six wins and two draws.

Borussia Dortmund Champions League play-off reactions

Guirassy describes how Borussia Dortmund’s disrupted journey turns into a fast Champions League play-off start, recalling the rushed preparation in the dressing room before heading out and heading in the opening goal from Julian Ryerson’s cross, which gives the side early control against Atalanta.

"We were stuck in traffic for an hour and 15 minutes, so we had to get changed very quickly in the dressing room. We didn't even have ten minutes to prepare," Guirassy said. "But we got off to a good start. Today, I scored again with my head after a very good cross from Julian Ryerson. I think that's a perfect start to these Champions League play-offs."

Kovac praises Borussia Dortmund’s disciplined Champions League display, pointing to both goals and the second-half defensive effort, noting that the group have recently focused on specific tactical details in training and that Guirassy’s goal and assist show exactly the type of contribution required in knockout matches.

"I'm very satisfiedwe played good football, scored two goals and worked well in the second half," Kovac added. "We worked very hard on a few things and pulled them off well tonight. Serhou Guirassy scored a goal and provided an assist, which is exactly what we need."

Beier remains cautious despite Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League play-off advantage, stating that a third goal would have offered greater safety, yet also pointing out the value of a clean sheet against Atalanta and stressing that the squad will travel to Italy confident but still respectful of the opponent’s threat.

"I would have liked us to have added another goal in the second half. I think we had one or two more chances that we could have taken," Beier added. "A 2-0 lead is a bit tricky. But it also gives you a bit of security because you've kept a clean sheet and scored two goals. Overall, we're satisfied and will go to Bergamo next week full of confidence. Serhou [Guirassy]is back to doing what he does best."

The first leg therefore leaves Borussia Dortmund in control of their Champions League play-off tie, supported by Guirassy’s ongoing scoring form, strong defensive numbers and a historic home run, while Atalanta return to New Balance Arena needing a significant response after failing to score in successive European games.