What happened?
Borussia Dortmund passed the first hard test of pre‑season on Sunday in London, beating English champions FC Arsenal 3:2 and clinching the Emirates Cup. Dortmund took the lead early in the 7th minute through Samuele Incacio, Konstantinos Karetsas made it 2:0 in the 29th, and Joane Gadou sealed the score at 3:1 in the 58th. Arsenal responded twice, but a penalty shoot‑out was narrowly won by the Gunners, while the title already belonged to the BVB. (League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Bundesliga, 73 pts, 22W-7D-5L from 34 games, recent form WWLWL.)
Why does it matter for Borussia Dortmund?
Beating the reigning Premier‑League champion shows that Dortmund remains tactically flexible despite squad changes, including newcomer Konstantinos Karetsas. Coach Niko Kovač deployed five positions and gave youngsters like Alexander Meyer and Kaua Prates minutes. The attacking firepower, embodied by Incacio and Gadou, provides clear signs that Dortmund can compete for the top spot – especially when considering the current tally of 70 goals scored and 34 conceded (+36 GD).
What comes next?
Next Saturday, Borussia Dortmund will face AS Rome in Dortmund as part of the season‑opening friendly, another test of the team's shape. A week later, the German Supercup against FC Bayern Munich follows, also in Dortmund. Both matches give the BVB a chance to cement the momentum from London and sharpen the squad for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
Who was decisive?
Beyond the scorers Incacio, Karetsas and Gadou, midfield dynamo Felix Nmecha supplied the assist for the opening goal. For Arsenal, striker Ethan Nwaneri showed his pace, while Victor Gyökeres netted the late equaliser from a foul‑penalty. The shoot‑out added drama: Marcel Sabitzer, Luca Reggiani, Takato Yamamoto and Carney Chukwuemeka hit their spots for Dortmund, while Mathis Albert missed the decisive spot‑kick.
Season context
The BVB finished the 2025 season in second place with 73 points, recording 22 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses. The current form (WWLL) and the recent 0‑2 win over Werder Bremen indicate the team is in good shape to take on the challenges of the new season.
