Serhou Guirassy made the difference in Baku, scoring in the 10th and 53rd minutes to give Borussia Dortmund a 2-1 victory over Sabah FK in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Tuesday.
Aden Mccarthy’s 39th-minute header had brought Sabah level at the Baku Olympic Stadium, but Guirassy’s second-half volley settled the fixture and secured three points for the visitors.
Sabah respond to Dortmund’s early breakthrough
Dortmund took the lead through Guirassy in the 10th minute, giving the hosts an early setback to overcome. Sabah did just that before the interval, with Mccarthy heading home in the 39th minute to restore parity.
That equaliser sent the sides into half-time at 1-1 and left Sabah firmly in contention, despite Dortmund ultimately producing the greater attacking output across the evening.
Guirassy’s volley proves decisive
The decisive moment arrived eight minutes after the restart. Guirassy struck on the volley in the 53rd minute, restoring Dortmund’s advantage with his second goal of the match.
Sabah could not find another equaliser, and the visitors maintained their narrow lead through to the final whistle. The hosts also collected four yellow cards, with Steve Solvet, Ivan Lepinjica, Mccarthy and Akim Zedadka all booked.
Visitors carry the greater attacking threat
Dortmund finished with 55.2% possession and 22 shots to Sabah’s 13. Their advantage was also evident in efforts on target, where they led nine to four, while they earned nine corners compared with the hosts’ four.
Those figures underline Dortmund’s attacking edge, but Sabah’s first-half response ensured this remained a close contest on the scoreboard. Ultimately, Guirassy’s brace supplied the cutting edge that separated the sides.
Final result: Sabah FK 1-2 Borussia Dortmund.
Goals: Aden Mccarthy (39′) for Sabah; Serhou Guirassy (10′, 53′) for Dortmund.
