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By Adam – April 15, 2025
Despite heartbreak at Camp Nou, there was one bright spot for Wolfsburg in their Champions League quarter-final exit: Serhou Guirassy.
The Guinean striker delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances of the tournament on Tuesday night, netting a hat-trick in the second leg against FC Barcelona. Though Wolfsburg fell short of progressing to the semi-finals, losing 5–4 on aggregate, manager Niko Kovač was full of praise for his star forward.
“Serhou is our life insurance,” Kovač said in the post-match press conference. “Whenever we need a goal, he delivers. Tonight, he was world-class — and not just in scoring, but in his leadership.”
A Hat-Trick Against the Giants
Going into the match trailing 2–0 from the first leg, Wolfsburg needed something special — and Guirassy delivered. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a composed finish from inside the box, equalized the tie just before halftime with a thunderous header, and completed his hat-trick with a brilliant solo effort in the 68th minute, putting Wolfsburg briefly ahead on aggregate.
But Barcelona, led by João Félix and Pedri, rallied late with two goals in the final 15 minutes, including a dramatic 89th-minute strike that ended Wolfsburg’s European dreams.
Still, Guirassy walked off the pitch to a standing ovation — from both sets of fans.
Kovac’s Belief in His Striker
Since joining Wolfsburg, Guirassy has become the heartbeat of the attack. His blend of power, precision, and poise has made him one of Europe’s most consistent goal-scorers, and Tuesday night was just another chapter in his ever-growing legacy.
“He gives everything,” Kovač continued. “He fights for every ball, he lifts his teammates, and he’s fearless in front of goal. We wouldn’t have made it this far without him.”
This season, Guirassy has scored 34 goals in all competitions, including 9 in the Champions League — an astonishing feat given Wolfsburg’s underdog status.
🇬🇳 A National Hero in the Making
Guirassy’s form has not gone unnoticed internationally. With Guinea set to compete in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, expectations are high for their talisman. Back home, his hat-trick was celebrated with fireworks in Conakry and flooded social media across West Africa.
While individual brilliance wasn’t enough to propel Wolfsburg past a powerhouse like Barça, Guirassy’s performance was a statement: he belongs on the biggest stage.
What’s Next?
Wolfsburg will now turn their attention to securing Champions League qualification for next season, with Guirassy at the heart of their ambitions. Rumors are already swirling about top clubs eyeing the striker this summer, but for now, he remains Wolfsburg’s prized asset.
“I’m proud of the team,” Guirassy said after the match. “We fought with heart. We didn’t win, but we showed that Wolfsburg can compete with the best in Europe.”