Players of Borussia Dortmund acknowledge spectators after the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
BERLIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund secured its first Bundesliga win of the season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Union Berlin on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Serhou Guirassy and a late strike from Felix Nmecha.
After failing to win its opening league match for the first time in over a decade, Dortmund also carried the weight of history as the team had never dropped points at home to Union in six previous encounters. Head coach Niko Kovac handed a debut to new signing Aaron Anselmino, who started in place of the suspended Filippo Mane.
Union, fresh off an opening-day win against Stuttgart, started brightly and created several early opportunities. But as Dortmund grew into the game, Guirassy became the focal point. After missing two chances, he broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, tapping in Yan Couto's precise cross from close range to give the host a halftime lead.
The visitor nearly leveled through Andrej Ilic, whose powerful header was saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Dortmund then regained momentum and Guirassy doubled the advantage in the 58th minute, combining slickly with Maximilian Beier before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.
Dortmund dictated the tempo and capped the performance in the 81st minute when substitute Nmecha rifled home from outside the box after a corner to seal the win.
"I think we started the game slowly, but after about 20 minutes we improved. Overall, we dominated and brought the win home safely. Serhou is a very important player for us," said Kovac after the match.
Elsewhere, Mainz battled back to claim a 1-1 draw against Wolfsburg, and newly promoted Cologne continued a perfect start to the season with a 4-1 victory over Freiburg. ■
Alex Kral (2nd R) of 1. FC Union Berlin breaks through during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Jobe Bellingham (L) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Alex Kral of 1. FC Union Berlin during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Waldemar Anton (R) of Borussia Dortmund and Andrej Ilic of 1. FC Union Berlin head for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Felix Nmecha (L) of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring with his teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Daniel Svensson (R) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Christopher Trimmel of 1. FC Union Berlin during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Jobe Bellingham (R) of Borussia Dortmund and Ilyas Ansah of 1. FC Union Berlin head for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Serhou Guirassy (R) of Borussia Dortmund tries to shoot during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
Felix Nmecha (L) of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring with his teammate Ramy Bensebaini during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)