SOCCER: Guirassy fires Dortmund to 2-0 first-leg win over Atalanta

DORTMUND, Germany – Striker Serhou Guirassy scored one goal and set up another as Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-0 win over Italian visitors Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie on Tuesday.

The match started 15 minutes late after the Dortmund team bus was caught in traffic, but the hosts wasted no time. Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead in just three minutes, heading in at the back post following a precise cross from right-back Julian Ryerson.

Dortmund doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Guirassy turned provider, racing down the left wing to deliver a perfect pass to Max Beier, who bundled the ball over the line for his side’s second. Atalanta struggled to create any meaningful chances throughout the game.

The return leg is set for next Wednesday in Bergamo, with the winner facing either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

This victory marked Dortmund’s 100th in Europe’s top competition, achieved with just two shots on target—both of which resulted in goals. Despite having less possession than Atalanta, Dortmund controlled the match for most of the 90 minutes.

Midway through the second half, Dortmund captain Julian Brandt came close to extending the lead to 3-0 but fired over from eight yards after a corner. Atalanta’s attempts came mainly from distance and never seriously threatened home goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. -Reporting by Nick SaidEditing by Toby Davis and Christian Radnedge/Reuters