Borussia Dortmund opened their Champions League campaign with a breathless 3-2 victory over Villarreal, sealed by a goal in the 90th minute that sent Signal Iduna Park into delirium. In a contest that produced five goals and swung one way then the other, it was Serhou Guirassy's brace that proved the difference, while Marcel Sabitzer pulled the strings with four key passes in a performance that underlined Dortmund BVB's attacking potency on the European stage.

The match began at a frenetic tempo. Dortmund pressed high and created early chances, with Sabitzer at the heart of almost everything constructive in possession. The Austrian midfielder's vision and passing range troubled Villarreal's defensive structure repeatedly, and it was no surprise when Guirassy converted to give the hosts the lead. Villarreal, however, showed exactly why they remain a dangerous side in continental competition, responding with purpose and finding a route back into the game to level the score.

The middle portion of the contest was an absorbing tactical battle, with neither side willing to sit back. Villarreal's ability to build patiently from the back and exploit spaces between Dortmund's lines kept the home crowd anxious. When the Spanish side took the lead, it appeared that Nuri Sahin's men might be left to rue missed opportunities. But Guirassy had other ideas. The striker found the net for the second time to restore parity, displaying the clinical finishing that has made him one of Europe's most talked-about forwards this season.

With the clock ticking toward a draw that would have satisfied neither team, Dortmund found one final surge. In the 90th minute, the hosts struck the decisive blow. The stadium erupted as the ball hit the net, completing a five-goal thriller and handing Dortmund all three points on Matchday 1. Sabitzer's four key passes were emblematic of a midfield display full of creativity and intent, constantly unlocking Villarreal's backline.

For Dortmund FC, this result delivers the perfect start to their Champions League group-stage journey and reinforces the belief that they can compete with Europe's elite once again. For Villarreal, there is frustration at letting a lead slip so late, but also encouragement in their ability to go toe-to-toe with a side that reached last season's final. As the competition moves forward, both clubs will know that fine margins define European football — and on this occasion, the margin belonged to Dortmund.