Dortmund turn it on late, BVB see off Athletic Bilbao 4-1 | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund secured their first victory in the new CL season. BVB convincingly defeated Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on Wednesday evening.

Two weeks after the 4-4 draw against Juventus Turin, Borussia Dortmund claimed their first win in the Champions League. Niko Kovac's team celebrated a clear 4-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao from Spain at their home Signal Iduna Park.

Kovac rotates: Schlotterbeck and Brandt only on the bench

Compared to the 2-0 win last weekend, Kovac made five changes: Süle returned to the starting lineup, replacing Schlotterbeck. Ryerson replaced Yan Couto on the right flank. Bellingham came into the team for Nmecha in the double pivot. Chukwuemeka was preferred, while Beier had to make way for Guirassy in the attack.

Svensson puts BVB ahead

Photo: IMAGO

Borussia Dortmund presented themselves as the dominant team in the early stages, primarily noticeable through ball possession. Scoring opportunities were scarce on both sides in the first 15 minutes.

BVB noticeably increased the pressure midway through the first half and rewarded themselves with the opening goal in the 30th minute: Adeyemi powered through on the right in the penalty area after a pass from Ryerson and played sharply to the far post, where Svensson had joined in and pushed the ball over the line from five meters. As in Mainz, the Swede secured the lead for BVB.

Kovac's team remained the more dominant side with nearly 70 percent possession, yet the hosts struggled to create genuine scoring chances. At halftime, it remained a narrow but deserved 1-0 lead.

BVB defense falters, Guirassy seals the decision

Photo: Getty Images

After the break, BVB got off to a much better start. In the 50th minute, Guirassy set up the unmarked Chukwuemeka in the penalty area. The Englishman didn't hesitate and scored low into the near corner for 2-0. The shot was slightly deflected. It was Chukwuemeka's first goal in the Champions League.

About ten minutes later, the visitors from Spain suddenly came back. In the 60th minute, the connection goal came out of nowhere, with significant help from the BVB defense. Süle hit Anton twice while trying to clear in the penalty area. Ultimately, the ball landed with Guruzeta, who powerfully converted into the right corner for 1-2.

In the 67th minute, the ball was in Dortmund's net again. However, Navarro's goal was disallowed as the striker was narrowly offside before his finish.

BVB appeared unsettled after conceding. Bilbao, on the other hand, sensed their chance and pushed the Black and Yellows deep into their half. In the 71st minute, Navarro narrowly missed the 2-2, his curler going wide of the goal. About seven minutes later, Svensson prevented the equalizer by clearing against Guruzeta at the last second.

In the 81st minute, substitute Julian Brandt had the chance to seal the game. Bilbao keeper Unai Simon made a strong save to prevent the 3-1.

About 180 seconds later, it finally happened: After a corner, Sabitzer got a shot off in the penalty area, which Guirassy unintentionally but crucially deflected. Unai Simon was already moving in the other direction, and the ball trickled over the line.

Julian Brandt put the final touch on the match in the 91st minute. The substitute secured the 4-1 final score with a powerful low shot.

For BVB, the action continues next Saturday (3:30 PM) in the Bundesliga. They will face RB Leipzig at their home Signal Iduna Park.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.