Dortmund Dominate Atalanta: Guirassy’s Masterclass Seals Champions League Advantage

In a crucial Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg, Borussia Dortmund secured a commanding 2-0 home victory over Atalanta BC, with striker Serhou Guirassy delivering a decisive performance by scoring one goal and assisting another. The win gives the German side a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Italy.

Introduction: A Night of Significance in Dortmund

The Signal Iduna Park hosted a pivotal European night on February 18, 2025, as Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC clashed in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie. This encounter, part of the revamped UEFA Champions League format, represented a critical step for both clubs in their pursuit of European glory. Dortmund, the 1997 European champions, aimed to leverage their formidable home fortress, while Atalanta, the 2024 Europa League winners, sought to continue their remarkable continental rise.

The match’s narrative was dramatically shaped before kickoff, with a 15-minute delay due to the Dortmund team bus encountering significant traffic en route to the stadium. Once underway, the hosts quickly silenced any pre-game distractions. The clinical finishing and relentless pressure of Serhou Guirassy proved the difference, as his early goal and second-half assist laid the foundation for a result that places Edin Terzić’s team in a strong position to advance to the last 16. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the match, exploring the key moments, tactical battles, player performances, and the strategic outlook for the return leg.

Key Points: A Summary of the Night’s Events

• Result: Borussia Dortmund 2 – 0 Atalanta BC.
• Goals: Serhou Guirassy (3′), Maximilian Beier (42′).
• Key Performer: Serhou Guirassy (Goal, Assist, Man of the Match).
• Context: First leg of the Champions League knockout phase play-off.
• Next: Second leg scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2025, at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy (17:30 GMT).
• Tactical Note: Dortmund dominated the first half, while Atalanta controlled possession in the second but failed to create clear chances.

Background: The Road to the Play-Offs

Borussia Dortmund’s Season & European Campaign

Borussia Dortmund entered the 2024/25 season with ambitions to reclaim a spot among Europe’s elite after a period of transition. In the newly structured Champions League league phase, Dortmund finished in a position that required them to navigate the new knockout phase play-off round, effectively a two-legged tie to reach the traditional round of 16. Their performance in the league phase, which included notable results, set up this challenging tie against the in-form Atalanta. Manager Edin Terzić has focused on instilling a potent attacking style, with the signing of Serhou Guirassy from VfB Stuttgart proving transformative. The Guinean international has been in sensational form, becoming the focal point of Dortmund’s offensive threat.

Atalanta’s Ascent and European Ambition

Atalanta BC, under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, has established itself as a consistent force in Serie A and a respected name in Europe. Their victory in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League cemented their status. This Champions League campaign saw them qualify directly for the league phase, where they accumulated enough points to secure a play-off spot. Known for their high-intensity, possession-based, and aggressive pressing style, Atalanta arrived in Dortmund with confidence, having dispatched several top European sides in previous seasons. Their key players, including the creative Teun Koopmeiners and the dynamic Ademola Lookman, were fit and ready to test the Dortmund defense.

The Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Format

For the 2024/25 season, UEFA introduced a revised format. The traditional group stage was replaced by a 36-team league phase. The top eight teams from that phase qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams placed 9th through 24th enter the knockout phase play-offs, a two-legged tie to determine the final eight teams in the last 16. This match marked the first leg of one such tie, making every minute and every goal of critical importance in the quest for the ultimate European prize.

Analysis: Deconstructing the 2-0 Victory

First Half Dominance: The Guirassy Blueprint

From the first whistle, Dortmund’s game plan was clear: exploit Atalanta’s high defensive line with direct, vertical passes and the pace of their wingers. The early goal, coming in just the 3rd minute, was a perfect execution of this strategy. Julian Ryerson’s overlapping run and driven cross found Guirassy, whose intelligent movement and powerful header left Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso with no chance. This early setback forced Atalanta to chase the game, playing into Dortmund’s hands.

Dortmund’s midfield, led by the energetic Emre Can and the technically gifted Julian Brandt, controlled the tempo. They consistently won second balls and transitioned quickly. Atalanta’s structured press was frequently bypassed. The second goal, just before halftime, was a reward for this sustained pressure. Guirassy, now operating as a provider, showcased his hold-up play and vision, delivering a pinpoint cross for Maximilian Beier to tap in at the far post. Atalanta looked disjointed and vulnerable on the counter, a rare sight for a Gasperini side.

Second Half: Atalanta’s Possession, Dortmund’s Organization

Gasperini made tactical adjustments at halftime, likely instructing his team to slow the game, increase possession, and probe Dortmund’s organized back four. Atalanta indeed saw a higher percentage of the ball in the second period. However, they encountered a resolute Dortmund defense marshaled by the experienced Mats Hummels and the robust Nico Schlotterbeck. The crucial factor was the space behind Atalanta’s advanced full-backs and midfielders. Dortmund’s wingers, Karim Adeyemi and the aforementioned Beier, remained a constant threat on the break.

Despite their possession, Atalanta struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Their play became predictable, often relying on individual moments from Lookman or Koopmeiners. Crosses into the box were dealt with comfortably by the tall Dortmund center-backs and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who had a relatively quiet evening. The Italian side lacked the penetration needed to beat a deep, disciplined block. Their xG (expected goals) for the match was likely significantly lower than Dortmund’s, reflecting the quality of chances created.

Tactical Battles Won and Lost

• Dortmund’s Pressing Triggers: They aggressively pressed Atalanta’s center-backs and defensive midfielder, forcing errors in the buildup. This disrupted Atalanta’s rhythm from the start.
• The Guirassy Factor: His physicality held up play, his movement created space, and his finishing was ruthless. He man-marked Atalanta’s defense out of the game.
• Atalanta’s Wide Areas: Their wing-backs, Davide Zappacosta and Hans Hateboer, were caught high up the pitch repeatedly, leaving vast spaces for Dortmund’s counters.
• Midfield Control: While Atalanta had more overall possession, Dortmund’s midfield duo of Can and Brandt were more impactful in transitional moments, the critical phases of the match.

Practical Advice: What to Expect in the Second Leg

For Atalanta: The Bergamo Blueprint

The task for Gian Piero Gasperini is monumental but not impossible. A two-goal deficit is surmountable, especially at the Gewiss Stadium, a fortress where Atalanta plays with intense passion. Their advice is to:

1. Control Tempo from the Start: They must dominate possession and force Dortmund to defend deep. This means patient, risk-averse buildup play to avoid giving away cheap counters.
2. Neutralize the Counter-Attack: Their wing-backs must show greater defensive discipline, potentially staying deeper in the first 20 minutes to nullify Dortmund’s primary weapon.
3. Target the Flanks: Deliver relentless, high-quality crosses to test Dortmund’s aerial defense. Lookman’s dribbling must be at its peak to win fouls and create set-piece opportunities.
4. Early Pressure: Scoring the first goal, ideally within the first 15-20 minutes, is paramount to reignite the tie and force Dortmund into a more cautious approach.

For Borussia Dortmund: Managing the Advantage

Dortmund must avoid the common pitfall of defending a lead passively, especially against a team like Atalanta. Their approach should be:

1. Score an Away Goal: The absolute priority. Even one goal in Bergamo would force Atalanta to score four, dramatically shifting the psychological and tactical burden.
2. Maintain Defensive Shape: Hummels and Schlotterbeck must communicate flawlessly. The defensive line must remain compact, denying space between the lines for Atalanta’s creators.
3. Utilize Set-Pieces: With their aerial threat, every corner and free-kick is a potential chance to extend the lead or secure a vital away goal.
4. Manage Game States: If they score first, they can afford to sit deeper and absorb pressure, turning the game into a controlled counter-attacking masterclass.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Why was the match delayed?

The match was delayed by 15 minutes because the Borussia Dortmund team bus encountered severe traffic congestion on the way to the Signal Iduna Park. This is a rare logistical issue for a major European fixture.

How important was Serhou Guirassy’s performance?

It was monumental. His goal and assist directly accounted for both goals. More broadly, his physical presence, pressing, and hold-up play disrupted Atalanta’s defensive structure throughout the first half, setting the tone for Dortmund’s victory. He is now the top scorer in this season’s Champions League.

Can Atalanta still overcome the 2-0 deficit?

Yes, it is difficult but possible. Teams have overcome two-goal deficits in European ties. Atalanta’s formidable home record and attacking prowess give them hope. They must score at least two goals while keeping a clean sheet, or score three if Dortmund gets one away goal.

What is the significance of the “knockout phase play-off”?

It is a new round introduced in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League format. It involves the teams finishing 9th to 24th in the 36-team league phase. The 16 winners of these two-legged ties join the top 8 from the league phase in the Round of 16.

Where can I watch the second leg?

Broadcast rights vary by country. In most of Europe, the match will be available on the respective rights holders for the UEFA Champions League (e.g., BT Sport in the UK, Amazon Prime in Germany, Paramount+ in the USA). Check local listings for exact details.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for a Dramatic Return

Borussia Dortmund emerged triumphant from the first leg with a performance that blended ruthless efficiency with tactical discipline. Serhou Guirassy’s star turn provided the match-winning moments, but the team’s overall structure and ability to execute a game plan against a top European opponent were equally impressive. They head to Bergamo with a priceless two-goal cushion and an away goal secured, though not yet scored.

For Atalanta, the challenge is now clear and desperate. The Gewiss Stadium will be a cauldron of noise and expectation. Gasperini must find a tactical solution to Dortmund’s effective counter-attacking and find a way to break down a resolute German defense. The first leg exposed Atalanta’s vulnerability to pace and direct play. Can they adjust in time?

This tie remains finely balanced in the context of a two-legged affair. While Dortmund are strong favorites, the unique pressure of a Champions League knockout tie in Italy, coupled with Atalanta’s proven European pedigree, guarantees that the second leg will be a tense, visceral, and strategically fascinating battle. The world will watch on February 25 to see if Dortmund can see the job through or if Atalanta can script a remarkable comeback.