Kovac's first at Dortmund: Guirassy shines on a night of celebration

Guirassy is the top scorer of this season's Champions League with ten goals, having helped Dortmund secure a place in the Round of 16 by defeating Sporting Portugal over two legs.

However, their poor performances in the Bundesliga have been in stark contrast to their European success. Earlier this year, head coach Nuri Sahin was dismissed after three consecutive defeats, and even under Niko Kovac, Dortmund lost their first two matches against VfB Stuttgart and local rivals VfL Bochum, raising concerns about the team’s ability to remain competitive in the domestic league.

The inconsistency between their European and Bundesliga performances has been a major talking point this season. While Dortmund has looked composed and disciplined on Champions League nights, their domestic struggles have painted a different picture. The squad, which boasts experienced internationals and rising stars, has often lacked cohesion in the league, with defensive lapses and missed opportunities costing them valuable points. Kovac's arrival was intended to steady the ship, but his first few games in charge only added to the turbulence.

On Saturday night against Union Berlin, however, Kovac finally had a reason to celebrate. Union, featuring former Vitesse defender Danilo Doekhi, also changed coaches in January, hoping that Steffen Baumgart could reverse their fortunes. However, the visitors struggled to make an impact at the Westfalenstadion, looking disjointed and lacking the sharpness needed to trouble Dortmund’s backline. The hosts controlled possession from the opening whistle, pressing aggressively and forcing errors from Union’s defense.

Dortmund took the lead after 25 minutes when Union defender Diogo Leite inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure. The goal was a reflection of Dortmund’s attacking intent and Union’s defensive fragility, setting the tone for what was to come. Five minutes before halftime, Guirassy doubled the margin, heading home from close range after an accurate delivery from Pascal Gross. It was a textbook striker’s goal, showcasing Guirassy’s positioning and ability to capitalize on well-placed crosses.

Borussia Dortmund 6 - 0 Union Berlin. With this commanding scoreline, Kovac secured his first three points in charge, and by halftime, few doubted that victory was inevitable. The visitors failed to provide much resistance, allowing Dortmund to dominate the game and dictate the tempo with ease.

The second half saw Dortmund grow in confidence, playing with a level of fluidity that had been missing in recent Bundesliga outings. Guirassy, in particular, stole the show, completing his four-goal performance with three strikes in just nine minutes. Two of his goals were once again set up by Gross, who was enjoying one of his finest performances in a Dortmund shirt. The pair’s link-up play was devastating, slicing through Union’s defense with precision and speed.

As Guirassy left the pitch to a standing ovation, the crowd at the Westfalenstadion erupted in cheers, recognizing the significance of the performance. It wasn’t just about the scoreline it was about Dortmund sending a statement that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Max Beier put the finishing touch on the dominant display by heading in Dortmund’s sixth goal from another pinpoint cross by Gross, capping off a night of attacking brilliance.

For Kovac, this victory represented far more than just three points. It was a turning point in his tenure, a performance that showed glimpses of the Dortmund side that had excited fans in previous seasons. The fluid attacking movements, the pressing intensity, and the clinical finishing were all on display elements that had been sorely missing in recent matches. While one game does not define a season, this emphatic win provided a much-needed morale boost for the squad and coaching staff.

The importance of this result extends beyond the immediate celebrations. With the Bundesliga season still in progress and a tight race for European spots, Dortmund needed a performance that could reignite their campaign. Their ability to dismantle Union so comprehensively suggests that they may be turning a corner, but consistency will be key in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, Dortmund faces a challenging run of fixtures that will test whether this result was a one-off or the beginning of a resurgence. Kovac will be under pressure to build on this momentum and ensure that his team carries the same intensity into their next matches. The fans, who have been frustrated by the team’s domestic struggles, will be hoping that this victory marks the start of a stronger push in the Bundesliga.

It was a night of redemption for Dortmund, a crucial victory for Kovac, and a sign that the team may be finding its rhythm again in the Bundesliga. The challenge now is to sustain this level of performance and prove that they are not just a team built for European nights, but also one capable of competing at the highest level in domestic football.