DORTMUND, GERMANY — Serhou Guirassy needed just three minutes to set the tone as Borussia Dortmund dismantled Atalanta 2-0 in a clinical Champions League display at Signal Iduna Park. The Guinean striker's early header, followed by Maximilian Beier's first-half strike, condemned the Italian visitors to a frustrating evening where possession counted for little against ruthless German efficiency.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance. Julian Ryerson delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank in the third minute, and Guirassy rose unmarked to power a header into the bottom right corner past a helpless Marco Carnesecchi. The Signal Iduna Park faithful erupted as their side seized the early advantage, and Atalanta never recovered from the lightning start.
Gian Piero Gasperini's men attempted to respond, with Éderson forcing Gregor Kobel into a smart save in the 34th minute, the Brazilian's header from the center of the box tipped over by the Dortmund goalkeeper. But the hosts remained dangerous on the counter, and their second goal arrived three minutes before halftime. Guirassy turned provider this time, laying the ball off for Beier, who rifled a right-footed effort from very close range into the high center of the goal. The 22-year-old's finish was emphatic, doubling Dortmund's advantage and effectively ending the contest before the break.
The interval brought changes from Gasperini, who introduced Nikola Krstovic and Isak Hien in search of a spark. The Croatian striker injected fresh energy, testing Kobel with a right-footed effort from distance in the 54th minute that the Swiss goalkeeper gathered comfortably. Atalanta continued to probe, with substitute Lazar Samardzic forcing another save from Kobel in the 89th minute, but Dortmund's defensive organization remained resolute throughout.
Nuri Sahin's side controlled proceedings with intelligence and maturity. Felix Nmecha and Jobe Bellingham patrolled the midfield with authority, breaking up Atalanta's attempts to build rhythm despite the visitors' territorial advantage. Ramy Bensebaini and Waldemar Anton formed an impenetrable barrier at the back, with Anton earning a yellow card in the 48th minute for a tactical foul on Krstovic that snuffed out a dangerous counter-attack.
The statistics told the story of Atalanta's frustration. Despite holding 55.6% of possession, the Bergamo outfit managed just three shots on target compared to Dortmund's two—both of which found the net. The hosts fired nine shots in total to Atalanta's seven, demonstrating superior efficiency in the final third. Dortmund also edged the corner count 3-2, while both sides committed similar numbers of fouls, with Atalanta's 13 infractions slightly exceeding Dortmund's 11. The visitors' indiscipline was reflected in the three yellow cards shown to Odilon Kossounou, Berat Djimsiti, and Gianluca Scamacca, compared to Dortmund's two cautions for Anton and Daniel Svensson.
Kobel's performance between the posts proved crucial, making three saves to preserve his clean sheet. The Swiss international commanded his area with confidence, dealing comfortably with everything Atalanta threw at him. His distribution also sparked several Dortmund attacks, with Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier stretching the Italian defense on the break.
Sahin introduced fresh legs in the closing stages, bringing on Karim Adeyemi and Carney Chukwuemeka in the 70th minute to maintain intensity. The substitutions helped Dortmund see out the victory professionally, with Fábio Silva and Marcel Sabitzer entering in the 83rd minute to run down the clock. Atalanta's late flurry, including Kamaldeen Sulemana's header that sailed wide in the 86th minute, never truly threatened to alter the outcome.
The result represents a significant statement from Dortmund in their Champions League campaign. Both sides entered the match level on 10 points, but the hosts' superior goal difference of +6 compared to Atalanta's +1 now positions them favorably in the race for knockout stage qualification. The victory extends Dortmund's impressive recent form, building on their domestic momentum.
For Atalanta, the defeat raises questions about their ability to compete away from home in Europe's elite competition. Gasperini's possession-based approach failed to translate into clear-cut chances, and the early concession left them chasing shadows for much of the contest. The Italian side will need to rediscover their cutting edge quickly if they are to maintain their European ambitions.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting philosophies. Dortmund's direct, vertical approach exploited the spaces Atalanta left in their high defensive line, while the visitors' patient build-up play lacked penetration against a well-drilled German defense. Ryerson's delivery for the opening goal and his overall performance down the right flank highlighted the effectiveness of Dortmund's wing play.
Confidence will be high when Dortmund travel to face RB Leipzig on February 21, while Atalanta must regroup quickly before their trip to Napoli on February 22. The contrasting emotions were evident at the final whistle, with Dortmund's players celebrating a job well done while Atalanta trudged off knowing they had failed to impose themselves on a crucial European night.