Borussia Dortmund began their Bundesliga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV, extending their remarkable run of winning every league opener for the past 12 seasons. The result also stretched Dortmund’s unbeaten head-to-head run against Hamburg to eight matches.
Niko Kovač handed starting roles to his two new Greek signings alongside Serhou Guirassy, and the decision paid off almost immediately. Dortmund’s slick passing repeatedly troubled Hamburg, with Konstantinos Karetsas combining brilliantly with Guirassy before the striker shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled a superb effort into the far corner to open the scoring inside 10 minutes.
Hamburg struggled to cope with Dortmund’s intensity for much of the first half, with goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes keeping his side in the contest by denying Felix Nmecha and Karetsas. The visitors rarely threatened Gregor Kobel at the other end, but Dortmund eventually doubled their advantage just before the interval.
Giannis Konstantelias raced onto Maximilian Beier’s pass and entered the penalty area before his shot took a major deflection off Sebastiaan Bornauw and wrong-footed Heuer Fernandes, finding the far corner.
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Dortmund remained in control after the restart, although Konstantelias fired wide before being forced off with a knock. Hamburg then showed more attacking intent around the hour mark, with Patson Daka wasting two chances, including one curling effort that narrowly missed the post.
The visitors’ task became even more difficult when substitute Samuele Inácio was sent off for a high challenge on Albert Grønbæk. Hamburg continued to push forward despite their numerical disadvantage, but Grønbæk and Albert Sambi Lokonga could only send their efforts off target.
Dortmund ultimately secured a comfortable clean sheet, continuing their impressive defensive form after leading the Bundesliga for shutouts last season. Their 20 attempts by the final whistle also underlined their dominance and attacking ambition.
For Hamburg, their second season back in the Bundesliga could prove challenging. With several departures and comparatively few new arrivals, the newly promoted side may need to rely heavily on their young talents, including 16-year-old Louis Lemke, as they look to establish themselves in the top flight.
