The unappealing 2.Bxd5 exd5 3.Ne2 was a lesser evil.

White couldn't avoid this scenario by 3.Qb1? due to Nxc3 4.bxc3 Ne2+ winning a pawn.

Recovering the piece with a clear positional plus.

With a double threat at e5 and a3.

Black is winning.

A strong tactical blow that eliminates White's bishop pair and leaves his pawn structure in ruins.

With double threats at f3 and a3.

An ideal square for the queen, where it eyes e5 and f2 at the same time.

6.Ra2 would be better.

Preparing ...Kg7 and ...Bxa3 with a decisive advantage.