Borussia Dortmund hosted La Liga side Villarreal in the first round of the Champions League league phase. After 90 minutes of ups and downs, the score was finally set at 3-2, with the Black and Yellows coming out on top. Behind this victory, however, there were many talking points.

From the beginning of the match, Dortmund showed a strong attacking desire. The South Stand at Westfalenstadion was already roaring, with chants echoing throughout and giving the players endless motivation. Dortmund's home atmosphere is famous across Europe, and the psychological pressure on visiting teams is obvious.
Guirassy was a name destined to be mentioned repeatedly on this night. The German forward carried many expectations at Dortmund this season. Since joining, he has been working hard to adapt to a new rhythm and tactical system, and the Champions League was exactly the stage for him to prove himself.
In the minute marked as '某' in the match, Guirassy received a precise through ball from a teammate, calmly rounded the advancing goalkeeper, and slotted the ball home. The entire stadium erupted. He waved his arms and roared as he ran toward the corner flag, while teammates rushed over and knocked him down in celebration. This goal could be seen as a key step for Guirassy in establishing himself at Dortmund. His sharpness in front of goal and growing understanding with teammates were both displayed in this match.
But in football, you never know what will happen next. In the second half, the script took a dramatic turn. During a challenge inside the penalty area, Guirassy accidentally turned the ball into his own net. An own goal! When the referee confirmed the goal, Guirassy stood frozen, holding his head in disbelief. The previously loud Black and Yellow supporters let out a complicated sigh.
The moment was a painful one. The hero who had just celebrated a goal suddenly became the one at fault. This is the cruelty of football—it does not spare you because of a brilliant moment just seconds earlier. But Guirassy did not avoid responsibility. He quickly regained his focus and returned to the match. This professional attitude is exactly the quality expected of a top striker.
Villarreal clearly sensed an opportunity. They launched a strong response during this period, trying to break through Dortmund's defense with quick passing. The technical style of La Liga teams can often create problems against German sides. The Yellow Submarine players controlled possession in midfield and tried to dictate the tempo.
Dortmund's defense came under major pressure. Experienced players such as Akanji and Hummels protected the center, providing stability for the younger defensive line. The players on the flanks, including Kochel and Schlotterbeck, also could not afford any carelessness, knowing one mistake could prove costly.
Around the 70th minute, Dortmund regained control. Bellingham delivered an excellent through ball from midfield to release Egan-Gerrard into the penalty area. The winger used his pace to beat Villarreal's full-back, and his cross found Malen arriving in support. Malen headed the ball into the net. 3-1! Dortmund extended their lead again.
The goal came at exactly the right time. It not only lifted the gloom caused by the own goal but also gave the whole team a boost. The young substitutes also showed great fighting spirit, with their movement and challenges keeping Villarreal's defense extremely busy.
Villarreal pulled one back in stoppage time. But it was not enough to change the outcome. When the referee blew the final whistle, Dortmund's players embraced each other, while tens of thousands of supporters in the stands sang the club anthem and celebrated a hard-earned victory.
For Guirassy, the night was both wonderful and bitter. A goal and an own goal made his statistics look complicated and inevitably brought some criticism. But for those who understand the game, his overall contribution was undeniable. His movement, pressing and link-up play in attack created many opportunities for Dortmund. The own goal also showed that he had given everything in that challenge, even at the cost of his own mistake.
Dortmund coach Terzic remained tense on the sidelines throughout the match and only celebrated goals with a small fist pump. But after the game, he could not hide his happiness in his media interview: "This is a perfect start to our new phase. The players showed the right attitude and fighting spirit. Especially our ability to handle pressure made me very satisfied."
After the introduction of the Champions League's new format, the intensity and attention surrounding the competition have increased further. As a traditional Bundesliga powerhouse, Dortmund naturally does not want to fall behind in this new journey. Taking three points in the opening round is highly significant for the direction of the season. It not only gives the team confidence but also provides the coaching staff with more options for future selections.
For Dortmund's loyal supporters, this victory was like a boost of confidence. In recent seasons, the team has repeatedly suffered setbacks in European competitions, often failing at crucial moments. This time, they showed their ambition to compete for greater honors from the group stage. Guirassy's arrival has given the attack a reliable focal point, with his height, strength and finishing ability becoming important weapons for breaking deadlocks.
Of course, the Champions League journey is still long. Winning the opening match is encouraging, but every upcoming game will be difficult. Villarreal, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are among the opponents, and none of them are easy to face. Dortmund must maintain its current form while continuing to adjust according to each match situation.
Dortmund was brightly lit under the night sky. Outside the stadium, the streets echoed with fans' laughter. Some held Guirassy shirts, while others shouted the slogan "Dortmund is always the best." The city's passion for football has long been part of its identity. This first Champions League victory undoubtedly added special color to the autumn night.
3-2, Dortmund made a strong start. Next, we will wait and see how far this Black and Yellow team can go in the Champions League. The songs of Westfalen have only just begun.