BVB began the Champions League group stage with a 3-0 win over FC Copenhagen at the Signal Iduna Park.
Copenhagen were off and running from the opening whistle, nearly scoring within the first 25 seconds. Dortmund’s first chance came nine minutes in, but Anthony Modeste could not make a proper connection from Julian Brandt’s cross.
BVB dominated possession, but struggled finding a way through on goal. Thorgan Hazard picked up a knock and was replaced by Gio Reyna in the 22nd minute. As the first half wore on, Dortmund began to look more threatening on the offensive end. They pushed further and further up the pitch and finally their captain delivered in the 35th minute.
With excellent footwork, Marco Reus slipped through Copenhagen’s back line and finished off Brandt’s pass, which was all started by the run of Niklas Sule.
Dortmund doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Raphael Guerreiro scored after his give-and-go with Gio Reyna.
They had converted both of their only chances on target in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. To begin the second 45, Copenhagen started strong as Alexander Meyer saved Lukas Lerager’s strong effort. But, that was pretty much the Danish club’s last best chance on goal.
Brandt should have made it 3-0 in the 58th minute, but couldn’t score from Modeste’s cross. BVB parked themselves in Copenhagen’s half of the pitch, who returned the favor with several dangerous challenges on Jude Bellingham and Reyna.
Youssoufa Moukoko somehow missed a chance right in front of goal, but Bellingham closed out the game shortly thereafter. He scored in the 83rd minute and BVB had a bit of luck when Copenhagen’s late goal was disallowed for offside. Dortmund were far more determined and aggressive in attack, while the defense was fairly well-organised to secure a clean sheet.
Supporters were thrilled to see Sebastien Haller in the stands to watch his team claim all three points. Dortmund face RB Leipzig this Saturday on Matchday 6 and travel to Manchester City the following week for their next Champions League duel.
