Dortmund Beats Sabah 2-1 as Guirassy Scores Twice in Baku

Borussia Dortmund defeated Sabah FC 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Matchday 3 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with Serhou Guirassy scoring both goals to secure an away victory for the German club. The October 20, 2026, result ended Dortmund's three-game winless run across all competitions and gave Niko Kovac's side an important boost after consecutive matches without a win. Guirassy scored once in each half, while Aden McCarthy equalized for Sabah before halftime.

Despite Dortmund creating more shooting opportunities in the opening period, the Azerbaijani champions remained competitive and threatened to earn a draw late in the match, according to VAVEL's live coverage and player assessments published by LiveScore. Dortmund entered the contest after a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Bodø/Glimt and a goalless Bundesliga draw against Union Berlin. Before the match, Kovac had emphasized the need for faster attacking combinations, greater precision in the final third, and more attempts on goal.

The coach also acknowledged Sabah's threat after the Azerbaijani side defeated Slavia Prague 2-0 in its previous European fixture. Sabah had opened its league-phase campaign with a 4-0 loss away to Manchester United, leaving the team with one victory and one defeat before facing Dortmund.

According to VAVEL's match report, Dortmund took the lead through Guirassy after Felix Nmecha's long-range effort was saved by Sabah goalkeeper Pokatilov, allowing the striker to capitalize on the rebound. Sabah subsequently found an equalizer when McCarthy headed home from a free kick delivered by Puchacz from the right flank. The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.

First-half statistics recorded by VAVEL showed Dortmund with 54% possession and nine shots, compared with Sabah's 46% possession and three attempts. Dortmund also registered four shots on target, while Sabah managed two.

Guirassy restored Dortmund's advantage in the second half after Joey Veerman delivered a well-weighted cross into the penalty area. The Guinean forward finished with a first-time shot that beat the opposing goalkeeper, completing his brace and putting the visitors ahead 2-1. LiveScore's player ratings highlighted Guirassy's attacking contribution, noting that he attempted eight shots during the match. Veerman also earned recognition for his set-piece delivery and assist, while Dortmund's defensive pairing of Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck helped preserve the narrow lead.

Sabah continued searching for an equalizer during the closing stages. Orphé Mbina came close after receiving a pass behind Dortmund's defensive line, but Daniel Svensson intervened before the forward could produce a clean finish. The opportunity went wide, allowing Dortmund to retain its advantage.

Kovac made several substitutions to refresh his team as the match approached its conclusion. Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham, and Joane Gadou entered the game, replacing Carney Chukwuemeka, Felix Nmecha, and Ramy Bensebaini, while Sabah also introduced attacking options in an attempt to change the result. The victory followed Kovac's pre-match declaration that Dortmund were favorites, although he had stressed the importance of respecting an opponent that had already demonstrated its ability to compete in Europe.

Sabah, founded in 2017 and competing in Azerbaijan's top division since 2018, won its first national championship in 2026, according to the club information published by Borussia Dortmund before the fixture.