Borussia Dortmund commenced their Bundesliga campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday. Serhou Guirassy's brace and a late goal from Felix Nmecha secured the win for Dortmund, marking their first league victory of the season.
Dortmund's coach, Niko Kovac, who recently extended his stay with the club, witnessed an impressive performance from his team after their opening-day draw against St. Pauli. The hosts showcased their attacking prowess, with Guirassy leading the charge. Dortmund thought they had an early lead in the 32nd minute when Ramy Bensebaini headed in a corner from Yan Couto, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Union Berlin's goalkeeper, Frederik Ronnow.
Undeterred, Dortmund continued to press, and Guirassy broke the deadlock just before halftime. Couto's cross from the right was met by Guirassy, who skillfully evaded Leopold Querfeld to find the net. In the second half, Guirassy extended Dortmund's lead in the 58th minute, executing a clever one-two with Maximilian Beier before chipping the ball over Ronnow. The Guinean international has been in impressive form, having also scored in Dortmund's opening game against St. Pauli. His consistent scoring record places him among Dortmund's elite goalscorers, nearing the achievements of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski.
Felix Nmecha, a late substitute, sealed the victory with a powerful strike into the bottom-right corner in the 81st minute. Nmecha's goal was his first of the Bundesliga season. The 24-year-old German midfielder, who joined Dortmund in 2023, has become an integral part of the team. Despite facing controversy surrounding his transfer, Nmecha has proven his worth on the field, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Dortmund's win was comprehensive, outclassing Union Berlin in various aspects of the game. The hosts had an expected goals (xG) total of 2.21 from 11 shots, while Union Berlin managed only 1.2 from 12 attempts. Dortmund enjoyed the majority of possession and created numerous scoring opportunities.
Union Berlin, known for their resilient defense under Steffen Baumgart, found it difficult to contain Dortmund's attacking threat. Although they started aggressively, pressing Dortmund's backline, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. A clash of heads between Jobe Bellingham and Andrej Ilic briefly halted play, but both players were able to continue.
Dortmund's coach, Niko Kovac, praised his team's performance, highlighting their determination and tactical discipline. The win marked a positive start to their Bundesliga campaign, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Serhou Guirassy's arrival at Borussia Dortmund in 2024 has significantly boosted their attacking options. With 35 goals in his first season, he played a crucial role in Dortmund's fourth-place finish in the league and their progress to the Champions League quarter-finals. Guirassy's ambition and winning mentality have made him a valuable asset to the team. Felix Nmecha's contribution in midfield has also been vital. His partnership with Jobe Bellingham is expected to strengthen Dortmund's midfield this season.
