Serhou Guirassy scored twice as Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sabah FK in the UEFA Champions League, ending a three-match winless run across all competitions.
The Guinea international struck once in each half at the Baku Olympic Stadium to help the German side overcome a determined performance from their Azerbaijani hosts and claim three valuable points away from home.
Guirassy gave Dortmund an early advantage with a goal in the 10th minute, but Sabah responded through Aden McCarthy before the interval. The striker then restored the visitors’ lead eight minutes into the second half, and Dortmund held on despite late pressure from the home side.
The result provided a welcome boost for Dortmund, who had been searching for a victory after three consecutive matches without a win.
They began brightly in Baku and needed only 10 minutes to break the deadlock. Felix Nmecha supplied the assist for Guirassy, who finished to put the visitors ahead and give them an early foothold in the contest.
The opening goal appeared to place Dortmund in a strong position, but Sabah gradually settled into the match and showed they were capable of challenging their more experienced opponents.
The hosts were rewarded for their efforts four minutes before half-time when McCarthy scored in the 39th minute. The defender converted after receiving a pass from Tymoteusz Puchacz, bringing Sabah level at 1-1.
The equaliser gave the Azerbaijani side renewed belief and ensured Dortmund could not take their advantage into the dressing room. Instead, the visitors faced the task of finding another goal after the restart.
Guirassy proved decisive once again. In the 53rd minute, he converted a Joey Veerman assist to put Dortmund back in front and complete his brace.
The goal restored the German side’s advantage and reinforced the importance of the striker to their attacking efforts. His ability to find space and finish clinically ultimately made the difference in a closely contested encounter.
Sabah refused to give up after falling behind for a second time. The home side continued to search for an equaliser as the match moved towards its closing stages, putting Dortmund under pressure to protect their narrow lead.
However, the visitors remained organised at the back and managed the final period of the game with discipline. Despite Sabah’s attempts to force another goal, Dortmund successfully defended their advantage through stoppage time.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 win for the German club, with Guirassy’s two finishes proving sufficient to secure the result.
For Dortmund, the victory was particularly important because it ended a disappointing sequence of three matches without success across all competitions. Winning away from home in Europe also offered a timely opportunity to regain confidence.
Guirassy emerged as the decisive figure in Baku, delivering at crucial moments to ensure his team left Azerbaijan with all three points. His first-half opener established Dortmund’s early lead, while his second goal provided the response needed after Sabah had fought their way back into the match.
Although the hosts demonstrated resilience and threatened to take something from the encounter, Dortmund’s ability to regain the lead and defend it until the end secured a valuable Champions League victory.
