BVB open Bundesliga season with 2-0 win over HSV, Konstantelias worry | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund beat Hamburger SV 2-0 (2-0) in the opening match of the new Bundesliga season. Guirassy after nine minutes and new signing Konstantelias (45+1) scored the goals. The Greek limped off injured a few minutes later. Inácio was shown a red card in the second half.

With Can, Schlotterbeck and Bensebaini unavailable, BVB coach Kovac was missing three professionals for the center of defense. His solution looked like this: Ryerson operated as the right center-back in a back three, while the attack-minded Beier occupied the right flank.

Dortmund needed no long warm-up phase and pressed the opposition early. Hamburg had major problems building up play because of the high pressing. The Black-and-Yellows created their first chances in the opening minutes. While Nmecha still fired the ball over the bar, Guirassy was more accurate in the ninth minute. The center-forward played a one-two twice with Karetsas and slotted home low into the left corner to make it 1-0.

BVB’s aggressive counter-pressing snuffed out every Hamburg attacking move before it could develop. HSV were often left with only long balls, which a solid Dortmund back line led by defensive chief Anton defended with ease up to that point.

The home side almost punished a misplaced pass by the visitors from Hamburg in the 33rd minute. Konstantelias won the ball and fed Karetsas in the penalty area, but he fired just over the bar despite being completely unmarked. Dortmund were putting in a strong performance. The only blemish was the missing second goal. Beier also lacked precision and shot wide to the left of goal (42).

In first-half stoppage time, Dortmund finally got the overdue second goal. New signing Konstantelias dribbled through the HSV defense and pulled the trigger from 13 meters out. Bornauw’s deflection left Heuer Fernandes with no chance and made it 2-0 at the break (45+1).

Injury misfortune and red card for BVB

The visitors from northern Germany came out of the dressing room with more courage than in the first half. Grönbaek tested Kobel, who got down in time (50). Dortmund then could have made it 3-0. Karetsas broke through on the right, but was denied by Heuer Fernandes in a one-on-one. Konstantelias struck the rebound first time from 14 meters, but sent the ball just wide to the left (52).

Then came the moment that caused a slight disruption in Dortmund’s attacking play: in a challenge with Jatta, Konstantelias twisted awkwardly and limped off. Sabitzer replaced him (54).

Photo: Getty Images

Hamburg now began to sense a way back into the game. Grönbaek slipped the ball through to Lemke, who cut inside and laid it off for Daka. His effort clipped the outside of the right post (68).

The situation became increasingly complicated for the Black-and-Yellows. Less than 180 seconds after coming on, Inácio was sent off. He was far too late with his sliding tackle on Grönbaek and caught him above the ankle with his studs showing. Referee Zwayer wasted no time and gave him his marching orders (77).

HSV now pushed for the 2-1. A cross from the right fell straight to Lokonga, whose first-time effort flew just inches over the goal (81). The Black-and-Yellow defensive wall still held firm. Despite their numerical advantage in the closing minutes, HSV were unable to create any truly clear-cut chances.

Conclusion: Borussia Dortmund celebrate a fully deserved 2-0 home win over Hamburger SV in their Bundesliga opener. After a dominant first half from BVB, the visitors played with much more courage and purpose after the break. But aside from Daka’s effort off the post (68), they could get nothing more out of the strong Black-and-Yellow defense.

BVB: Kobel – Ryerson (74. Mane), Anton, Gadou – Svensson, Nmecha (74. Veerman), Bellingham, Beier (84. Kaua Prates) – Karetsas (74. Inácio), Konstantelias (54. Sabitzer) – Guirassy

HSV: Heuer Fernandes – Capaldo, Bornauw, Torunarigha (82. Nadir) – Jatta (82. Poulsen), Sambi Lokonga, Remberg, Lemke (89. Philippe) – Adeline (67. Stange), Grönbaek – Daka (67. Moffi)

Goals: 1-0 Guirassy (9), 2-0 Konstantelias (45+1)

Red card: Inácio (77) / –

Attendance: 81,365 (sold out)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.