Serhou Guirassy scores twice as Borussia Dortmund defeat 10-man Villarreal 4-0 in Champions League, boosting their European campaign
DORTMUND: Serhou Guirassy scored twice as Borussia Dortmund defeated 10-man Villarreal 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The victory was Dortmund’s first win in all competitions since October, moving the 2024 finalists to fourth in their group after five matches.
Guirassy, who had scored just once in his previous nine appearances, headed Dortmund in front seconds before halftime.
Villarreal captain Juan Foyth was sent off early in the second half when VAR upgraded his yellow card to red for handballing a goalbound Karim Adeyemi shot.
Guirassy’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Luiz Junior, but the Guinean tapped in the rebound to double Dortmund’s advantage.
Adeyemi scored just before the half-hour mark after pressuring Thomas Partey into a rushed clearance that bounced in off his knee.
The German winger won another penalty with eight minutes remaining, but substitute Fabio Silva blasted his spot-kick against the crossbar.
Daniel Svensson headed in Pascal Gross’s cross during stoppage time to complete the comprehensive victory.
Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck admitted “the red card did us good,” but added “we came out better after half-time — that was important.”
Schlotterbeck said Guirassy’s double would boost the striker’s confidence after recent struggles.
“Serhou hasn’t had an easy time. The coach has given him his trust and we’re giving him self-confidence,” the defender explained.
Guirassy described the win as “very important for our team spirit” and praised his team’s performance.
“That’s how we have to play if we want to be one of the best teams in the world,” said the 29-year-old.
Villarreal manager Marcelino lamented his team’s Champions League fortunes despite their strong domestic form.
“In this Champions League season, the small but important things often go against us. That’s what makes the difference at this level,” he said.
Villarreal have collected just one point from five Champions League matches while sitting third in La Liga, three points behind leaders Real Madrid. – AFP
