Borussia Dortmund started the Bundesliga season with a win but suffered a significant setback. A 2-0 home victory over Hamburger SV on Saturday was marred by a serious knee injury to new signing Giannis Konstantelias.
BVB now sits fifth in the table with three points from one game. The team has scored two goals and conceded none. The next fixture is an away match against 12th-placed 1899 Hoffenheim. Alongside Konstantelias, Justin Lerma, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini are also currently sidelined, according to the latest injuries data.
Borussia Dortmund completely dominated the first half against Hamburg. Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring in the ninth minute following a one-two with Konstantinos Karetsas. Giannis Konstantelias added a second before the break. BVB controlled possession for large stretches and allowed the visitors few opportunities.
The second half saw Dortmund lose their momentum. The injury to Konstantelias in the 54th minute disrupted the team's rhythm. This was compounded by a red card for Samuele Inacio in the 77th minute. Hamburg improved slightly but could not find a goal. Dortmund secured a deserved three points.
The injury to Giannis Konstantelias is a major blow for BVB. The Greek attacker had to be substituted in the 54th minute with a knee injury. Sportschau described the incident as "bitter for BVB".
Konstantelias had just capped his Bundesliga debut with a goal. Together with compatriot Karetsas, he formed a promising attacking unit. An exact diagnosis and expected timeframe for his recovery were not immediately disclosed. He now joins three other players on the club's injuries list.
The game was analyzed as "a match of two halves". An excellent first period was contrasted by a weaker second. The Greek newcomers were highlighted as positive standouts.
Die Welt Sport, meanwhile. According to their report, HSV hopes for the return of Fabio Vieira from Arsenal. Sporting director Kathleen Krüger told reporters: "He would of course look good on us." For Dortmund, this topic was not relevant ahead of the match.
Separate from the match, Borussia Dortmund presented a special historical project. In collaboration with Vodafone, the club reconstructed the very first Bundesliga goal from 1963 as a video. Timo Konietzka scored for BVB back then.
"The Unseen Goal" was brought to life using archive material, eyewitness accounts, and AI technology. Club historian Gerd Kolbe was delighted: "I am absolutely delighted that BVB and Vodafone have managed to bring this production to life." He said it fills a historic gap.
The focus now shifts to the next task. With three points secured, BVB travels to face 1899 Hoffenheim. The current league standing can be followed on our standings page. The injury to Konstantelias will certainly affect coach Niko Kovac's planning for that game.
