Guirassy Double Lifts Dortmund Past Sabah

Match overview

Borussia Dortmund left Azərsun Arena with a 2-1 victory over Sabah in round three of the Champions League league stage. The visitors struck early through Serhou Guirassy, were pegged back by Aden McCarthy before the interval, then relied on Guirassy again early in the second half to secure the result.

It was a win supported by Dortmund’s stronger attacking output. They produced 22 shots to Sabah’s 13, hit the target nine times to four, and created five big chances compared with two. Sabah remained competitive throughout, however, and their equaliser ensured Dortmund had to reclaim the lead rather than simply protect it.

Early Dortmund lead, Sabah response

Dortmund opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Guirassy finished with his left foot after a contribution from Felix Nmecha, giving the away side an early advantage.

Sabah responded before half-time. In the 39th minute, McCarthy headed in from Tymoteusz Puchacz’s assist to make it 1-1. The scoreline at the break reflected a match that had already produced decisive moments at both ends.

The home side also recorded six successful dribbles from 14 attempts, while Dortmund completed three from five. Sabah’s willingness to carry the ball forward was evident, but Dortmund held a modest possession edge at 55% to 45% and completed 418 passes to Sabah’s 331.

Guirassy settles it

The decisive goal arrived in the 53rd minute. Guirassy again struck with his left foot, this time assisted by Joey Veerman, restoring Dortmund’s lead at 2-1.

That second goal defined the difference between the teams. Dortmund generated 17 key passes, nine more than Sabah’s 10, and had 57 dangerous attacks to the hosts’ 42. Their nine corners also exceeded Sabah’s four, while 16 of Dortmund’s shots came from inside the box.

There was still work to do in the closing stages. Sabah made four substitutions, with Aleksey Isayev and Orphé Mbina entering in the 65th minute, followed by Abdulakh Khaybulayev and Christian Nwachukwu in the 81st. Dortmund made five changes, beginning with Jobe Bellingham, Marcel Sabitzer and Joane Gadou between the 71st and 72nd minutes.

No further goal arrived, and Dortmund saw out the one-goal margin.

Key performers

Guirassy was the clear headline act, scoring both Dortmund goals and receiving the Player of the Match award with a rating of 8.96. Veerman, who assisted the winner, followed with an 8.44 rating.

For Sabah, McCarthy combined a goal with the team’s highest rating of 7.72. Goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov made six saves and was rated 7.44, while Akim Zedadka recorded a 7.31 rating.

The numbers

Dortmund’s advantage showed across the principal chance-creation metrics: 22 shots, nine on target, five big chances created and 102 attacks. Sabah posted 13 shots, four on target, two big chances created and 86 attacks. Both sides registered one assist, while Dortmund won 38 duels to Sabah’s 34.

Sabah received all four yellow cards in the match, with Steve Solvet booked in the 22nd minute, Ivan Lepinjica in the 49th, McCarthy in the 57th and Zedadka in the 89th. Dortmund finished without a booking.

The final result was Dortmund 2, Sabah 1: an early lead, a first-half response, and a second Guirassy finish that ultimately settled a tightly contested contest.