Dortmund Begin Pre-Season with Victory Over Oberhausen

Borussia Dortmund kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 win over Rot-Weiß Oberhausen on Saturday. The Bundesliga side fielded a mix of experienced players and new signings, with goals from Justin Lerma, Serhou Guirassy, and Takato Yamamoto securing the victory. Ecuadorian attacker Lerma opened the scoring early, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. Guirassy doubled the lead with a composed finish before halftime. After the break, Japanese newcomer Takato Yamamoto made an immediate impression, scoring on his debut for the club. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka earlier this summer, struck a well-placed shot from outside the box to make it 3-0. Oberhausen pulled one back late through a penalty, but Dortmund held on comfortably. Coach Niko Kovac praised Yamamoto's instant impact, noting the youngster's smooth adaptation to the team's style of play. "He showed great composure and quality in his first appearance. It's a positive sign for the season ahead," Kovac said. The friendly match was part of Dortmund's buildup for the upcoming campaign, with the team scheduled to play further friendlies in the coming weeks. The victory provides an encouraging start as the squad builds fitness and chemistry under Kovac's guidance.