Serhou Guirassy scored twice to inspire Borussia Dortmund to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sabah FK in the UEFA Champions League at the Baku Olympic Stadium, ending the German side’s three-match winless run across all competitions.
The Guinea international proved decisive with goals in either half, helping Dortmund overcome a spirited challenge from their Azerbaijani hosts and secure a crucial away victory.
Dortmund made a bright start and took the lead after just 10 minutes. Guirassy finished off an assist from Felix Nmecha to put the visitors ahead and give them early control of the contest.
Sabah, however, refused to be intimidated by their opponents’ European pedigree and gradually grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute when defender Aden McCarthy found the back of the net following a pass from Tymoteusz Puchacz to restore parity at 1-1.
The equaliser gave the home side renewed confidence heading into the break, leaving Dortmund with work to do in the second half.
Guirassy once again stepped up when his team needed him most. Eight minutes after the restart, the striker completed his brace, converting a Joey Veerman assist in the 53rd minute to restore Dortmund’s advantage at 2-1.
The goal underlined the forward’s importance to Dortmund’s attacking play, with his movement and finishing proving the difference between the two sides.
Sabah continued to push for another equaliser as the match approached its conclusion, but Dortmund remained disciplined defensively to protect their slender lead.
The visitors successfully negotiated the closing stages, including stoppage time, to secure all three points and bring an end to their disappointing run of results.
For Guirassy, the brace was a timely reminder of his goalscoring quality and ability to deliver in important European fixtures. His two goals ultimately proved enough to ensure Dortmund left Baku with a valuable victory.
