Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial early save against Michy Batshuayi before England teenager Bellingham fired into the far left corner from a tight angle off Thomas Meunier in the 20th.

The Germans silenced the noisy Besiktas crowd on the stroke of half-time when Bellingham laid the ball back to Haaland for the Norwegian to tap his 21st goal in the 17th appearance in the elite event.

Francisco Montero revived Besiktas hopes early in stoppage time but it was too late as Dortmund hung on for an opening Group C win.

Sheriff Tiraspol, the first-ever club from Moldova in the group stage, stunned Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 in the other early game, from a classy Adama Traore volley in the 16th and a 61st-minute header from unmarked Momo Yansane.

Inter Milan and record winners Real Madrid who meet later in the day in Italy are also in that Group D. Inter, Real and Shakhtar also were in the same group 12 months ago as well.

The other Group C teams Sporting and four-time champions Ajax Amsterdam meet later in Lisbon.

Groups A and B also open with Liverpool meeting AC Milan in a duel of multiple winners, last season’s runners-up Manchester City hosting RB Leipzig, and the Paris Saint-Germain of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at Club Brugge.