Borussia Dortmund starting XI (3-4-2-1): Kobel, Reggiani, Anton, Bensebaini, Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha (subbed for Sabitzer), Svensson, Beier (subbed for Adeyemi), Brandt (subbed for Chukwuemeka), Guirassy (subbed for Fabio Silva)
Bench: Ostrzinski, Meyer, Couto, Ozcan, Inacio, Kabar, Krevsun, Bernkara
Goals: Guirassy 3’, Beier 42’
Atalanta starting XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi, Kossonou, Djimsiti (subbed for Hien), Kolasinac, Zappacosta (subbed for Bellanova), de Roon (subbed for Sulemana), Ederson, Bernasconi, Pasalic, Zalewski (subbed for Samardzic), Scamacca (subbed for Krstovic)
Bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Bakker, Musah, Bellanova, Scalvini, Vavassori, Ahanor
Serhou Guirassy was the catalyst for Dortmund’s victory, opening the scoring early and setting up the second before half-time as the German side controlled the contest despite defensive absences.
The hosts flew out of the blocks and struck within the opening three minutes. Julian Ryerson’s precise cross from the right found Guirassy at the back post, and the forward powered a downward header beyond Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi.
Dortmund’s early lead set the tone for a lively match where they consistently looked the more threatening team.
As the first half progressed, Dortmund maintained their momentum and doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute.
Guirassy was again at the heart of the defining move, this time providing the assist for Maximilian Beier, who finished coolly after a sustained Dortmund attack. The two-goal cushion at half-time rewarded their early intensity and placed Atalanta firmly on the back foot heading into the break.
Atalanta, missing key attackers and facing a robust Dortmund back line, struggled to create clear opportunities.
Dortmund’s defence, although stretched by injuries in central positions, remained disciplined and reacted well to Atalanta’s forays forward. The Italian side’s hopes of a breakthrough never materialised as the clock ticked down.
The result gives Dortmund a valuable advantage heading into the second leg, where a draw or narrow defeat in Bergamo will be enough to secure progression.
