Borussia Dortmund opened the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a victory over Hamburger SV. The decisive contributions on August 29th came from the two new Greek midfielders Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias.
Edin Terzić's side successfully overcame the newly promoted team, building on their strong previous campaign. Dortmund had finished the 2025 season as runners-up with 64 points from 29 games, recording 19 wins, seven draws, and just three losses. Their form heading into the new season read LWWWW, and a record of 60 goals scored and 29 conceded pointed to an attacking approach.
Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias were the key figures of the day. Their interplay in central midfield dictated the game and directly led to the goals. The two players, signed in the summer, demonstrated from the outset that they could quickly implement the coach's tactical ideas. Their dynamism and understanding of each other proved difficult for the HSV defense to handle. This immediate impact is particularly notable, as integrating new players often takes time.
The Greek duo's performance helped compensate for personnel shortages in other areas. The defense was missing two key players in Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was also injured. The current injury list is available on our injuries page. This made the instant contribution from the newcomers, who immediately took on responsibility, all the more vital.
The celebration over the important first three points was dampened by an injury to Giannis Konstantelias. The midfielder had to leave the pitch prematurely, and there is now concern within the club about his availability moving forward. A precise diagnosis and expected duration of his absence were not available at the time of reporting. His potential loss would be a significant blow, as he had just proven his importance to the system.
This uncertainty raises questions for the upcoming schedule. The squad must be prepared for possible longer-term absences, especially during a period where matches come thick and fast. The depth in midfield is now being tested. The coming weeks will show how the team handles this challenge.
The next challenge awaits on September 5, 2026, with an away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Pellegrino Matarazzo's team currently sits in sixth place and presents a demanding task. For Dortmund, it's key to carry the positive momentum from the first game and extend the run.
The focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for this encounter. The twelve-point gap to last season's champions Bayern Munich shows that every dropped point carries weight in the title race. A consistent start is therefore essential.
The performance against Hamburg was an encouraging sign, but only the first step in a long season. The task now is to consolidate this display and secure results regardless of personnel setbacks. The upcoming matches will reveal more about this team's true capabilities.
