Serhou Guirassy comes up clutch again as Borussia Dortmund earn narrow 2-1 win over St. Pauli

An 83rd minute winner from Serhou Guirassy helped Borussia Dortmund see off the challenge of St. Pauli, with Nuri Sahin's side claiming a 2-1 win.

Serhou Guirassy was the difference maker once again for Borussia Dortmund as he netted an 83rd minute winner against St. Pauli on Friday evening. The Black and Yellows were once again nowhere near their best, but managed to maintain their perfect record at the Westfalenstadion this season.

A sublime strike from Eric Smith had earlier pulled St. Pauli back on level terms after Ramy Bensebaini's first-half opener. Borussia Dortmund certainly rode their luck and got the three points despite some clumsy defending and wayward finishing.

Serhou Guirassy winner fires Borussia Dortmund past St. Pauli

As expected, Borussia Dortmund started the game on the front foot and the first clear-cut chance of the game fell to Serhou Guirassy who got on the end of Julian Brandt’s through ball. But his shot was well saved by the St. Pauli goalkeeper.

A trademark Emre Can giveaway resulted in St. Pauli’s first chance of the match in the 16th minute. But a fantastic block from Ramy Bensebaini spared the BVB captain’s blushes.

Borussia Dortmund survived another scare at the half hour mark as Morgan Guilavogui had the ball in the net for St. Pauli but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside call.

The home side finally got the scoring underway on the stroke of half-time, with Ramy Bensebaini finding the back of the net with an excellent header.

Brandt nearly doubled BVB's lead in first-half stoppage time, but his free header from close range went over the bar. The playmaker also had the first chance of the second-half but his effort from the edge of the box was well saved by Nikola Vasilj. The Greece international then stood firm again to deny Guirassy.

Donyell Malen also came close to scoring from close range but failed to find the right connection to Jamie Gittens’ low cross.

Despite Borussia Dortmund’s dominance, there was a sense of tension at the Westfalenstadion. And St. Pauli took advantage, with Eric Smith scoring a spectacular equaliser with a shot from distance.

But Guirassy had the final say as he got on the end of Gittens’ cross and headed into the net to restore Borussia Dortmund’s lead in the 83rd minute.

St. Pauli had a golden opportunity to make it 2-2 late on but Adam Dzwigala fired his shot over the bar from close range.

Borussia Dortmund managed to hang on for another unconvincing win. But Nuri Sahin will know that big improvements are needed, especially with a trip to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League next up on the fixture list.