Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Villarreal; Guirassy double seals Champions League win

Borussia Dortmund began their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park.

Renato Veiga’s own goal gave Dortmund the lead before Santiago Mouriño equalised, but Serhou Guirassy restored the hosts’ advantage in the final 10 minutes.

Villarreal pulled another goal back through a late Guirassy own goal, but Dortmund held on to secure three points from their opening league-stage fixture.

Dortmund started the match on the front foot, with Niko Kovač’s side pressing high and repeatedly forcing Villarreal deep into their own half.

The hosts looked dangerous when attacking at pace, frequently working the ball into the Villarreal penalty area, but the visitors’ compact defensive shape made it difficult for Dortmund to create clear-cut opportunities.

Villarreal defended particularly well inside their own six-yard box, repeatedly frustrating Dortmund’s attempts to find a way through despite the hosts’ sustained pressure.

Dortmund were dealt a major concern before half-time when Konstantinos Karetsas went down without any contact after completing a routine dribble and pass.

The 18-year-old Greek winger immediately called for medical assistance before being carried from the pitch on a stretcher, with a diagnosis still pending.

Ethan Nwaneri replaced Karetsas for the remainder of the first half, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

Villarreal made the first change after the restart, with Alex Freeman replacing Sergi as both sides increased the tempo.

Dortmund continued to push forward with quick passing combinations, while Villarreal looked increasingly dangerous on the counter as the game opened up.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Maximilian Beier drove forward and sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

Renato Veiga was unable to get himself into the correct position and inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net, giving Dortmund a 1-0 lead.

The goal lifted the atmosphere inside Signal Iduna Park, with both teams committing more players forward in search of the next breakthrough.

Villarreal eventually found their equaliser in the 67th minute following a corner.

Santiago Mouriño rose highest to get a touch on the delivery and guided the ball into the net to make it 1-1 and set up a tense final period.

Dortmund refused to settle for a point and regained the lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Substitute Fabio Silva played the ball into the path of Guirassy, who was in the right place to tap home and put Kovač’s side back in front.

Villarreal continued to push for another response, but Dortmund appeared to have done enough to secure the victory.

However, the visitors were handed a lifeline in stoppage time when Guirassy inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

The late own goal made it 3-2 and ensured a nervy finish for the home side, but Dortmund held firm during the remaining minutes to claim all three points.

The victory gives Dortmund an ideal start to their Champions League campaign and provides Kovač’s side with early momentum as they look to progress through the league stage.

Dortmund will return to European action on October 14 when they travel to Norway to face Bodø/Glimt, while Villarreal will look to respond on October 13 when they host Napoli.

For Villarreal, the defeat leaves them searching for their first Champions League points, while Dortmund can take confidence from surviving a dramatic finish at Signal Iduna Park.