BERLIN, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Substitute Raphael Guerreiro provided a brace and helped Borussia Dortmund beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the third round of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday.
Axel Witsel's early goal gave the hosts the lead before three late Dortmund goals destroyed Atletico's hopes of a late equalizer.
Both sides staged a lively opening period but lacked accuracy in front of goal. As the match progressed, Dortmund took the reins and came to their first chance with 20 minutes played when Witsel tested Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a long-range effort. The hosts continued to press forward as Christian Pulisic shot wide from very close range at the half hour mark.
Dortmund's efforts eventually paid off when Witsel unleashed another powerful shot from the edge of the box to beat Oblak with a deflected shot in the 38th minute. After the restart, things on the pitch looked completely different as the hosts ceded control, allowing Atletico to dictate the proceedings on the pitch.
The visitors were able to produce promising chances as Saul Niguez rattled the woodwork before forcing Dortmund keeper Roman Buerki into action twice. Just when Atletico gained momentum, the hosts doubled the lead as Achraf Hakimi's pull back found Guerreiro, who made no mistake to beak Oblak in the 73rd minute.
Atletico reacted with furious attacks as substitute Angel Correa hit the bar in the 78th minute. However, the goals were scored at the other end of the pitch as Dortmund completed a fast break through Jadon Sancho to make it 3-0 with seven minutes remaining.
Lucien Favre's men were still not done as Guerreiro wrapped up his brace after capitalizing on Luis Filipe's misplaced pass in the dying minutes of the game. With the result, Borussia Dortmund top Group A after securing three victories in as many games. They are followed by Atletico, AS Monaco and Club Brugge.
