Dortmund Secures Comfortable Win Against Atalanta in Champions League Knockout Stage

omidbasir- As Borussia Dortmund continues to apply pressure on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, they now face the crucial task of navigating the Champions League knockout stage.

In the lead-up to the match, Niko Kovac found himself without key players Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, resulting in Luca Reggiani receiving his first start for the club just over a week after making his debut.

However, similar to their previous match against Mainz, Dortmund quickly took control as Serhou Guirassy scored within three minutes, heading in a cross from Julian Ryerson. This assist marked Ryerson’s contribution to each of Dortmund’s last five goals.

Following the early strike, the match became balanced, with both sides creating opportunities, yet neither able to significantly challenge the opposing goalkeepers.

As the game progressed to extra time, a pivotal moment occurred. Guirassy, with his second contribution of the match, delivered a precise ball across the face of the goal that was ultimately bundled in by Maximilian Beier, extending Dortmund’s lead to 2-0.

The second half was notably quieter as Dortmund aimed to manage the game and secure a comfortable lead for the second leg. They successfully maintained control, with Atalanta rarely posing a threat to Dortmund’s defense or goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The best chance for Atalanta in this half came from a corner; however, they failed to convert from close range.

Dortmund will carry a 2-0 advantage into the return leg in Bergamo next week. Based on Atalanta’s performance, the upcoming match should favor die Schwarzgelben. This outcome not only alleviates immediate pressure but also provides a vital morale boost for Dortmund as they face a challenging fortnight with matches against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and Atalanta, all amidst a defensive injury crisis.

Player Ratings:
Gregor Kobel (5), Julian Ryerson (7), Luca Reggiani (5), Waldemar Anton (6), Ramy Bensebaini (6), Daniel Svensson (5), Felix Nmecha (6), Jobe Bellingham (5), Maximilian Beier (6), Julian Brandt (5), Serhou Guirassy (7).

Substitutes: Carney Chukwuemeka (5), Karim Adeyemi (5), Marcel Sabitzer (-), Fabio Silva (-).

Earlier this year, there were significant doubts concerning Guirassy’s effectiveness as a striker. However, recent performances have demonstrated that he is back in form. Dortmund’s strategy of utilizing crosses has leveraged Guirassy’s strengths, while he has also showcased his versatility as a provider, evident in his assist for the second goal.