Serhou Guirassy scored twice and netted an own goal as Borussia Dortmund opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Villarreal. The Guinean striker endured a chaotic milestone night, ensuring BVB secured all three points despite late drama at Signal Iduna Park.
Several high-profile stars have been left out of European squad lists following key deadline decisions. From Liverpool's Federico Chiesa and Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy to Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can, managers across the continent faced tough selection calls due to injuries and squad limits.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has praised stand-in captain Waldemar Anton after setting high standards across the squad ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal. The central defender has taken over the armband following a serious knee injury to club captain Emre Can, with Kovac highlighting his leadership at Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has urged his squad to stay grounded ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park. Despite the Spanish visitors enduring a winless domestic start and losing 4-0 in this exact fixture last term, Kovac insists the Yellow Submarine retain elite tactical and technical quality.
The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
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