Borussia Dortmund began their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over RW Oberhausen on Saturday, 18 July.
Timur Kesim fired the hosts in front after five minutes into the clash but summer signing Justin Lerma equalized moments before half-time whistle.
Substitutes Serhou Guirassy and Takato Yamamoto struck apiece in the second half to win it for the Black and Yellow, who marked a satisfactory return to action after two months off.
Here are three key talking points from the clash:
1) Yamamoto packs a punch
The day was all about debutants with two of them bagging a goal. Justin Lerma opened Dortmund's account for the evening while Takato Yamamoto scored their third. But the Japanese international turned in a fine display overall with his intelligent runs and devastating link-up plays.
Looking right at home on the right side of their attack, Yamamoto timed his runs to perfection and was a thorn in Oberhausen's flesh with his pace and directness. He mustered three shots in the game, one of which found the back of the net, while also laying two crosses.
The 18-year-old was also involved in the build-up to Guirassy's strike by brilliantly controlling a looping ball and nonchalantly tapping it on for Enzo Duarte to then set up the Guinean. A promising debut from the teenager.
2) Guirassy can't and won't be stopped
No one was surprised to see Serhou Guirassy among the goals here. Because that's what he's come to be known for, turning up for Borussia Dortmund in key moments with crucial strikes that turn the tide in their favor.
Having enjoyed the summer off with Guinea absent from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he looked sharp here. Kovac introduced him off the bench in the second half and Dortmund instantly looked more clinical and menacing going forward.
Guirassy, who's scored 60 goals in two seasons with the club, showed that he's ready for another productive spell in the 2026-27 season. He's not distracted by any of the transfer speculations surrounding his future right now.
3) Fabio Silva blows his chance
Much was made of Fabio Silva's erratic form last season. The Portuguese youngster, who wasn't called-up to Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, left a lot to be desired as the lone striker and yesterday's game was no different.
He was given the chance to lead his team in the first half and yet again, struggled to impose himself while also missing a fabulous one-on-one chance to score in the 41st minute by dragging his shot wide.
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