Borussia Dortmund took a decisive step towards the Champions League last 16 with a controlled 2-0 home victory over Atalanta on Tuesday in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off.
The night belonged to Serhou Guirassy, who continued his rich vein of form with a goal and an assist, underlining his growing importance to Dortmund’s European ambitions. Despite logistical disruption before kick-off and a patched-up defence featuring just one recognised senior centre-back, Dortmund dominated proceedings from the opening whistle.
Guirassy gave the hosts an early platform, heading in a precise Julian Ryerson cross after just three minutes. The goal set the tone for a first half played largely on Dortmund’s terms, with Atalanta struggling to cope with the intensity and movement of the Bundesliga side.
The visitors’ defensive structure looked increasingly stretched, while their attacking cohesion suffered in the absence of injured midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, whose creativity was clearly missed. Dortmund capitalised again shortly before the interval as Guirassy turned provider, sliding a composed ball across goal for Maximilian Beier to convert from close range.
That two-goal cushion was particularly impressive given Dortmund’s defensive situation. With Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule, Emre Can and Filippo Mane all sidelined, head coach Niko Kovac was forced into improvisation. Eighteen-year-old Luca Reggiani was handed his senior debut alongside Waldemar Anton, the club’s only available experienced centre-back.
Preparation was further disrupted by Dortmund’s delayed arrival at the stadium, which pushed kick-off back by 15 minutes, but any early uncertainty quickly faded. Riding the momentum of six consecutive Bundesliga wins and Guirassy’s recent scoring surge — five goals in three matches — Dortmund played with authority and clarity.
The second half was notably more measured. With a two-goal advantage secured, Dortmund focused on game management rather than expansion, limiting Atalanta to few meaningful opportunities and ensuring control remained firmly with the hosts.
The result gives Dortmund a commanding position ahead of next week’s return leg in Italy. The winners of the tie will progress to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the last 16 — but on this evidence, Dortmund look well-equipped to take the next step.
