Borussia Dortmund opened their Champions League campaign with a 3–2 victory over Villarreal on a night when the football was dramatic but the result was almost secondary for long periods.
Serhou Guirassy was the decisive figure, scoring twice in the final stages to turn a tight contest in Dortmund’s favour.
But his evening ended in bizarre fashion when he accidentally scored an own goal in stoppage time, giving Villarreal one last chance to rescue a point.
They could not take it.
The victory came in front of a packed Signal Iduna Park, but Dortmund’s celebrations were tempered by concern for 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas, who suffered circulatory problems during the first half and had to leave the field before being taken to hospital for further examinations.
A worrying moment overshadows the football
The match had barely settled when attention shifted away from the pitch. Karetsas suddenly experienced health problems and had to receive treatment before being carried from the field.
The incident visibly affected Dortmund’s players and staff. Football resumed, but the mood inside the stadium had changed.
Villarreal show courage
Villarreal were not intimidated by the Dortmund crowd. The Spanish side created several promising opportunities during the first half and looked dangerous whenever they attacked with pace. Dortmund gradually improved after the interval.
Their breakthrough in the 53rd minute came through an unfortunate moment for Villarreal defender Renato Veiga, who turned the ball into his own net. The goal gave Dortmund momentum.
But Villarreal responded. Santiago Mouriño headed home from a corner in the 66th minute, restoring parity and setting up a frantic final quarter.
Guirassy takes control
The match became increasingly open. Dortmund pushed forward and eventually found the player they needed. In the 80th minute, Guirassy finished from close range after a move involving Fábio Silva. Four minutes later, he struck again.
This time the striker converted a penalty after a foul in the box, giving Dortmund a 3–1 lead. The home supporters could finally breathe. Or so they thought.
The strangest ending
In the third minute of stoppage time, Guirassy was back inside his own penalty area trying to help Dortmund defend. A loose ball ricocheted off him and into his own goal.
Suddenly it was 3–2. Villarreal now had a final opportunity. The visitors pushed forward, desperate to turn an extraordinary match into an extraordinary comeback. But Dortmund held on.
Guirassy finished the night with two goals for his team and one for the opposition. The scoreline therefore tells only part of the story. Dortmund have three points, but the match also exposed areas that need work. Villarreal were able to create chances and repeatedly make the home side uncomfortable.
For Villarreal, there was plenty to take from the performance despite the defeat. For Dortmund, the most important result is the one at the top of the table: three points. But the biggest concern from the night remains Karetsas.
