Borussia Dortmund delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday, moving into the competition’s top four and edging closer to a knockout stage berth.
Jamie Gittens opened the scoring with a spectacular solo goal just before half-time, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box. The 20-year-old winger has now scored four goals in just five Champions League appearances this season, cementing his growing reputation.
Dortmund doubled their lead early in the second half when Ramy Bensebaini rose highest to nod in Pascal Gross’s pinpoint corner. Serhou Guirassy, returning from illness, added the finishing touch in the final minutes, slotting home after coming off the bench.
The win marked Dortmund’s first away triumph in any competition since September, ending a six-match losing streak on the road. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel hailed the team’s dominance as defender Nico Schlotterbeck echoed his sentiments, describing the match as being completely under control.
However, Dortmund’s victory came with concerns as captain Julian Brandt limped off with a suspected thigh injury in the first half. Coach Nuri Sahin admitted Brandt’s absence could be significant ahead of Saturday’s crucial Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich, calling the midfielder almost irreplaceable.
Zagreb, whose home ground remains partially closed due to structural damage from a 2020 earthquake, struggled to replicate the form that had seen them recover from an opening-round drubbing by Bayern Munich. Their best chance came early, with Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel firing just over the bar, but Dortmund gradually asserted control.
The home crowd created an electric atmosphere with fireworks and fervent support, but it wasn’t enough to rattle last season’s Champions League finalists. Donyell Malen hit the crossbar before Gittens’ opener, while Zagreb’s defence failed to handle Dortmund’s fluid attacking play in the second half.
Dortmund have now won four of their five Champions League group matches, the sole blemish being a heavy defeat to Real Madrid in October’s final rematch. The result leaves them well-positioned for the knockout stages and brimming with confidence ahead of their showdown with Bayern.
