Borussia Dortmund kicked off the new Bundesliga season with a commanding 2-0 home victory over Hamburger SV. The match on Saturday at a sold-out Signal Iduna Park was decided by early goals from Serhou Guirassy and Giannis Konstantelias.
Niko Kovač's team dominated from the start, giving the promoted side little room to breathe. Guirassy put BVB ahead in the ninth minute. Assisted by Konstantinos Karetsas, the striker fired a low shot from 15 meters into the left corner. This sparked a one-sided first half where Dortmund created further chances. Felix Nmecha was denied twice by HSV keeper Heuer Fernandes, and Karetsas shot over the bar in the 33rd minute.
Just before halftime, Giannis Konstantelias made it 2-0. In the 45th minute, the midfielder scored following a cross from Maximilian Beier, with his shot taking a deflection off Sebastiaan Bornauw. Heuer Fernandes got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. It was Konstantelias's first Bundesliga goal. Unfortunately, the goalscorer had to be substituted due to injury in the 54th minute, with Marcel Sabitzer coming on.
HSV only found their way into the game after the break. In the 67th minute, Patson Daka had the visitors' best chance but hit the outside of the post. Shortly after, coach Merlin Polzin made changes, bringing on Terem Moffi and Otto Stange. Dortmund remained dangerous, however. In the 74th minute, Kovač introduced fresh legs with Filippo Mané and Joey Veerman, while Julian Ryerson, Karetsas, and Felix Nmecha made way.
The win is all the more notable as Borussia Dortmund had to do without three key starters. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck, midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, and left-back Ramy Bensebaini were all sidelined. Their return is anticipated for upcoming matches. The team demonstrated defensive stability despite these absences. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel only had to make one serious save, stopping a shot from Albert Grønbæk in the 49th minute.
With this opening victory, Borussia Dortmund has made an ideal start to the 2026/27 season. The team builds on a strong previous campaign where they finished second with 64 points from 29 games and 19 wins. A record of 60 goals scored and 29 conceded highlights both offensive power and defensive solidity. However, the gap to record champions Bayern Munich from last season stands at twelve points. The current standings page shows the long road still ahead.
Next week brings the first away test. On September 5, 2026, BVB faces TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who currently sit sixth in the table. It will be a first real examination on the road. Preparation for this match will be the focus, especially with Konstantelias's injury now an additional concern. The team will look to carry the momentum from the home game. All upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page.
Referee Felix Zwayer managed the match well, showing only two yellow cards. Julian Ryerson was booked in the 58th minute for a foul on Grønbæk, while Albert Lokonga saw yellow as early as the 21st minute for a tactical foul. The 80,000 fans at Signal Iduna Park witnessed a convincing start to the new season for their team.
