Serhou Guirassy scored twice in the closing stages as Borussia Dortmund launched their UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Villarreal on 8 September. Real Madrid and Manchester City also collected maximum points from their respective openers, setting up a strong early statement from Europe's elite clubs.

Health Scare Overshadows Dortmund Win

The result at Dortmund was overshadowed by a serious health scare involving Konstantinos Karetsas, the 18-year-old Greece international, who collapsed without any contact in the 27th minute and required prolonged medical attention on the pitch. He was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital, with the club stating he had suffered circulatory problems. Dortmund later confirmed he was doing as well as could be expected and would undergo further examinations.

Ethan Nwaneri came on as a replacement, and the hosts gradually rebuilt their attacking momentum. Guirassy was denied by Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi shortly before halftime, but the pressure continued to mount after the interval.

Key Developments in Dortmund vs Villarreal

Dortmund broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Renato Veiga inadvertently turned a dangerous low cross into his own net. Villarreal equalised in the 66th minute through Santiago Mourino, who powered a close-range header inside the near post from a corner. The visitors continued to press, but Dortmund's substitutes proved decisive.

Jobe Bellingham released Fabio Silva down the right in the 80th minute, and the Portuguese squared for Guirassy to finish from close range. Guirassy was then fouled inside the penalty area and converted the resulting spot kick in the 85th minute to extend Dortmund's lead to 3-1. Villarreal pulled one back in the third minute of stoppage time when Guirassy inadvertently turned Nicolas Pepe's free kick into his own net, but Dortmund held on for all three points.

Real Madrid Punish Inter Errors, Courtois Stands Firm

Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 home victory over Inter Milan, capitalising on two costly errors from the Italian side. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring before Federico Valverde doubled the advantage, benefiting from a mistake by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter in the 76th minute, but Thibaut Courtois produced a series of crucial saves to preserve Madrid's win.

Haaland Double Seals City Win in Porto

Erling Haaland struck twice after halftime as Manchester City won 2-0 away to Porto. The Norwegian headed home a cross from Enzo Fernandez two minutes after the restart before adding his second, assisted by Rayan Ait-Nouri, in stoppage time.

Other Results from Matchday One

Real Betis came from behind twice to beat Lille 3-2 in France. Marc Bartra scored both equalizers before Troy Parrott completed the turnaround. Lille's Ethan Mbappe was sent off following a VAR review. Aston Villa defeated Club Brugge 3-2 in Belgium, with John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, and Nicolas Jackson on target for Villa, while Hugo Vetlesen and Nicolo Tresoldi replied for the hosts. In the day's other fixture, Razvan Marin curled home a first-half free kick to give AEK Athens a 1-0 win over Austrian side LASK.

With Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Manchester City all opening with victories, the early picture in the Champions League group stage is already taking shape — and the race for the knockout rounds has begun in earnest.