Key Takeaways:
- On their German Cup debut, Borussia Dortmund earned a 1-0 away win against Rot-Weiss Essen
- Serhou Guirassy scored the only goal in the 81st minute, assisted by Ramy Bensebaini
- Elsewhere, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hertha Berlin, and Mainz also progressed with victories
Guirassy’s Late Goal Lifts Dortmund Past Rot-Weiss Essen
Borussia Dortmund commenced their German Cup campaign with a challenging encounter away at Rot-Weiss Essen, ultimately prevailing by a single goal. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute as Serhou Guirassy, who was recently named among the 30 best footballers of the year, struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. His effort found the bottom left corner, sealing a narrow triumph for the Yellow-Blacks. Ramy Bensebaini delivered the assist for Guirassy’s winner.
Zahlen eines intensiven Spiels 📊 pic.twitter.com/sg4QaoSXTf
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) August 18, 2025
Prior to the breakthrough, Dortmund created several chances but were unable to convert. Waldemar Anton, playing at centre-back, missed the team’s best opportunities earlier in the match. Felix Nmecha also threatened early on with a well-taken shot, only to be denied by Rot-Weiss Essen goalkeeper Jakob Golz.
Round-Up of German Cup Results
| Fixture | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund | 0:1 | Guirassy 81′ (Bensebaini assist) |
| Schweinfurt vs Fortuna Düsseldorf | 2:4 | – |
| Münster vs Hertha Berlin | 0:0 (3:5 after penalties) | – |
| Dynamo Dresden vs Mainz | 0:1 | – |
Statistical Insights and Analysis
Dortmund’s progression was far from straightforward as their opponents posed significant resistance throughout the contest. Despite missing several chances, the visitors maintained composure and ultimately capitalised late on. Guirassy’s goal underscored his clinical quality, reinforcing his status among Europe’s elite after his recent individual accolade.
Across other fixtures, Fortuna Düsseldorf recorded a 4-2 win over Schweinfurt, Hertha Berlin edged Münster 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw, and Mainz secured a tight 1-0 victory away to Dynamo Dresden.
