The Borussia Dortmund U19s got their UEFA Youth League campaign off to a flying start, beating Besiktas 3-2 away from home in their opening game and taking top spot in the standings after Sporting Lisbon and Ajax drew 1-1 in the group's other game. The next game will be against Sporting Lisbon at NLZ Brackel on 28 September.

BVB opened the scoring through Samuel Bamba in an exciting and (for long spells) even match played at an alternative venue in Riva. Besiktas then levelled the scoring only for the Black & Yellows to go back in front at 2-1 on the stroke of half-time, with Bradley Fink slotting home comfortably from the spot after Bamba had been fouled.

It was end to end after the break as well with the hosts making it 2-2 on the hour mark, but Borussia were not satisfied with the point. Coach Mike Tullberg brought on Julian Rijkhoff – along with three other fresh faces – and it was the sub who slotted home Bradley Fink's pass in the 85th minute to seal the 3-2 victory. It was the reward for a hard-running performance from the BVB youngsters, who denied Besiktas a route back into the game in the closing stages.

"Huge credit to the lads, who really fought after the game went to 2-2. Our plan completely came off in the end," beamed Mike Tullberg at the final whistle. (wiwi)

Detailed report on the youth website