Guirassy’s Brace Saves BVB from Bundesliga Stumble Against Union Berlin (2025-09-01)
- Did Guirassy’s Heroics Mask Dortmund’s Underlying Issues?
- Why Was Anselmino Thrown into the Deep End—And Did He Swim?
- Kobel’s Save: The Moment That Could’ve Changed Everything
- Financial Fallout: What Does This Win Mean for BVB’s Bottom Line?
- Beier’s Struggles: Is the Youngster Feeling the Transfer Heat?
- Union’s Woes: The Perfect Opponent for a BVB Side in Flux?
- Nmecha’s Late Cameo: A Glimpse of Dortmund’s Future?
- What’s Next for Dortmund After the International Break?
- Your Burning Questions Answered
Borussia Dortmund narrowly avoided an early-season slip-up thanks to Serhou Guirassy’s double against Union Berlin, securing a 3-0 home win. While the result looks convincing, Dortmund’s performance raised questions about their readiness for tougher challenges. We break down the key moments, analyze financial implications for the club, and explore whether this victory is a sign of progress or just another patchy display.
Did Guirassy’s Heroics Mask Dortmund’s Underlying Issues?
Serhou Guirassy’s two goals might have sealed the win, but let’s be honest—Dortmund were far from convincing. The 29-year-old striker bailed out his team after a sluggish first half, capitalizing on a defensive error from Union’s Tom Rothe. Even then, Guirassy fluffed his initial one-on-one chance before redeeming himself with a clinical finish just before halftime. Without his contributions, this could’ve been another frustrating night for BVB fans. Stats fromshow Dortmund created just 1.2 expected goals (xG), their lowest in a home game this season. Not exactly title-contender material.
Why Was Anselmino Thrown into the Deep End—And Did He Swim?
With Dortmund’s defense in shambles due to injuries, 20-year-old Aarón Anselmino made a surprise debut after his loan MOVE from Chelsea. The Argentine center-back held his own, which says more about Union’s toothless attack than his own brilliance. Still, he completed 89% of his passes and won 4 aerial duels (). The bigger question: Can he fix BVB’s leaky backline long-term? I’m skeptical—this was against a Union side that barely tested him.
Kobel’s Save: The Moment That Could’ve Changed Everything
Gregor Kobel’s reflex stop to deny Ilic’s header in the 47th minute was the game’s turning point. At 1-0, a Union equalizer would’ve piled pressure on Dortmund. Instead, Kobel’s heroics (his 3rd big save this season) allowed Guirassy to kill the game minutes later. Credit where it’s due—Dortmund’s keeper is their most consistent performer. Funny how the defense keeps making him work overtime though.
Financial Fallout: What Does This Win Mean for BVB’s Bottom Line?
Three points are three points, but Dortmund’s board knows this performance won’t satisfy investors. The club’s latest financial reports (Q2 2025) show a 12% drop in commercial revenue compared to last year. With Champions League qualification non-negotiable, wins like this—however ugly—keep them in the top-four race. As onemarket analyst noted: “Dortmund’s valuation remains tied to European success. Domestic grind-outs don’t move the needle.” Harsh but true.
Beier’s Struggles: Is the Youngster Feeling the Transfer Heat?
Maximilian Beier’s assist for Guirassy’s second goal couldn’t hide his overall struggles. The 22-year-old, linked with a move away all summer, misplaced 5 passes and lost 3 duels. When your loanee defender outshines your starting striker, that’s a problem. Maybe he’s distracted by the rumors—or maybe he’s just not ready for the weekly grind at Signal Iduna Park.
Union’s Woes: The Perfect Opponent for a BVB Side in Flux?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Union Berlin were dreadful. Zero shots on target until the 70th minute, no pressing intensity—they rolled out the red carpet for Dortmund. BVB’s unbeaten home record against them now stretches to 8 games (6W 2D). But as my grandad used to say, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes.” This win says more about Union’s decline than Dortmund’s rise.
Nmecha’s Late Cameo: A Glimpse of Dortmund’s Future?
Felix Nmecha’s 83rd-minute goal (his first of the season) at least gave fans something to cheer. The German midfielder has been in and out of the lineup, but his direct running caused problems. With Marco Reus gone, Dortmund need someone to step up in midfield. Could this be his breakout year? Too early to tell, but the potential’s there.
What’s Next for Dortmund After the International Break?
Dortmund sit 4th in the table—acceptable but not inspiring. Their next five fixtures include Leverkusen (A) and Leipzig (H). If they play like this against those sides, expect a reality check. As for Union? They’re flirting with relegation early doors. Maybe time to panic in Köpenick.
Your Burning Questions Answered
How many goals has Guirassy scored this season?
With his brace against Union, Guirassy now has 4 goals in 3 Bundesliga games—Dortmund’s top scorer by a mile.
Why did Anselmino start so quickly after joining?
Dortmund had three center-backs injured (Schlotterbeck, Süle, Hummels), forcing Kovac to throw the youngster in at the DEEP end.
Is Dortmund’s defense really that bad?
They’ve conceded in 7 of their last 8 home games. So… yeah. The numbers don’t lie.
