Dortmund beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 to progress to Champions League knockout play-offs

Borussia Dortmund cruised through to the knockout phase play-offs of the Champions League with a commanding 3-1 home victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, ensuring their continued participation in the tournament while eliminating their Ukrainian opponents. Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy was the star of the first half, netting two well-taken goals to give Dortmund a comfortable lead at the break.

The stakes were high coming into the match, as the Champions League format dictated that the top eight teams would advance directly to the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th would battle in the two-legged play-offs for the remaining knockout spots. Dortmund, aiming to avoid an early exit and improve their standing, approached the game with intensity and purpose. Their attacking intent was evident from the outset, as they pressed high and moved the ball with fluidity to break down the Shakhtar defense.

Guirassy’s first goal came in the 17th minute, a well-worked effort that showcased his sharp instincts inside the box. After a precise pass from Julian Brandt, Guirassy made a clever run between defenders before slotting the ball past the Shakhtar goalkeeper with clinical precision. The early lead allowed Dortmund to dictate the tempo, with their midfield controlling possession and preventing Shakhtar from mounting meaningful attacks.

Shakhtar, fighting to keep their European hopes alive, struggled to penetrate Dortmund’s defensive setup. The visitors’ best chance of the first half came from a long-range strike by Mykhailo Mudryk, but Gregor Kobel was equal to the effort, making a confident save to maintain Dortmund’s advantage. As the first half progressed, the hosts continued to press for a second goal, and their persistence paid off just before the break.

In the 44th minute, Guirassy struck again, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Shakhtar. A mistimed clearance fell kindly to the striker inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake, dispatching a powerful shot into the top corner to double Dortmund’s lead. The Westfalenstadion erupted in celebration as the home side headed into halftime with a 2-0 advantage, seemingly in full control of proceedings.

However, the game took a dramatic turn early in the second half when Dortmund’s goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, committed a costly mistake. Attempting to play out from the back, he misjudged a pass under pressure, allowing Shakhtar’s Marlon Gomes to intercept and fire into an empty net. The error handed the visitors a lifeline, and suddenly, the match had a different complexion.

Shakhtar, buoyed by the goal, pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Dortmund’s defense, momentarily rattled, had to regroup quickly to withstand the pressure. The Ukrainian side enjoyed a brief spell of dominance, testing the hosts with a series of corners and speculative efforts from distance. Nevertheless, Dortmund weathered the storm and gradually reasserted their control over the match.

As the game entered its final stages, Dortmund sealed the victory in style. In the 79th minute, left-back Ramy Bensebaini joined the attack and produced a moment of brilliance. Latching onto a through ball from Emre Can, Bensebaini calmly chipped the advancing goalkeeper with an audacious finish, restoring Dortmund’s two-goal cushion and extinguishing any hopes of a Shakhtar comeback.

The final minutes saw Dortmund manage the game effectively, maintaining possession and frustrating their opponents. The 3-1 win ensured that Dortmund finished the league phase in 10th place with 15 points, securing their place in the knockout play-offs. Meanwhile, Shakhtar’s campaign came to an end, as they finished 27th with just seven points, falling short of their aspirations for European success.

Dortmund’s performance, while not flawless, demonstrated their attacking prowess and resilience. Guirassy’s brace underlined his importance to the team, while Bensebaini’s composed finish showcased the depth of talent in Dortmund’s squad. However, the defensive lapse leading to Shakhtar’s goal served as a reminder that there is still room for improvement, particularly as they head into the high-stakes knockout phase.

With the play-offs on the horizon, Dortmund will look to refine their approach and tighten their defensive structure. The road ahead promises greater challenges, but with their attacking firepower and home support, they will be confident of making a strong push in the latter stages of the competition. Coach Edin Terzić will now shift focus to preparing his side for the crucial battles ahead, knowing that every match from this point forward will be a test of their Champions League credentials.