In Baku, where visiting sides may expect the journey to be the hardest part of the evening, Borussia Dortmund found a Sabah team prepared to make every metre of the match matter. Niko Kovac’s side left with a 2-1 win, secured by Serhou Guirassy’s two goals, but the narrow margin told the story of a contest in which the German visitors were repeatedly tested.
Dortmund began with authority and carried the greater threat, Guirassy looking especially sharp. The Guinea international had already passed up two opportunities when he reacted quickest to a rebound from Felix Nmecha’s shot in the 10th minute, putting the visitors ahead.
That early goal appeared to loosen Dortmund’s concentration. While goalkeeper Aleksandr Pokatilov denied them a second, Sabah began finding room against a back line featuring Ramy Bensebaini, Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck. Parris and Mickles caused persistent difficulties, with Mickels having an effort ruled out for offside before Sabah drew level in the 39th minute. McCarthy finished a set-piece move to send the sides in level at the interval.
Guirassy restores the lead, Sabah keep pressing
Neither coach made a change at half-time, and Dortmund regained their advantage soon after the restart. Joey Veerman delivered the cross in the 53rd minute and Guirassy met it first time, restoring the Bundesliga club’s lead with his second goal of the night.
Possession did not bring Dortmund the control they wanted. They struggled to add a decisive third, while Sabah continued to find encouragement in transition and in the spaces around the visitors’ defence. Daniel Svensson made a crucial intervention during one such escape, helping force Mbina to miss when through against Gregor Kobel.
Sabah finished with admirable boldness, spending the closing stages in Dortmund territory and searching for the equaliser their performance had put within reach. It did not arrive, leaving Dortmund to depart Baku with the result but also a clear reminder that the Azerbaijan trip will not be a comfortable assignment for any side.
