Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV to win their Bundesliga curtain-raiser for the 12th consecutive season, extending their unbeaten streak against Die Rothosen to eight matches.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac handed debuts to new Greek signings Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias alongside main striker Serhou Guirassy, a decision that paid off inside the opening 10 minutes. Karetsas linked up with Guirassy on the edge of the penalty box, allowing the striker to shift the ball onto his right foot and curl a sublime effort into the far corner.
Hamburg struggled to match Dortmund’s passing rhythm, though goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes produced critical saves against Felix Nmecha and Karetsas to keep the scoreline manageable. However, Dortmund doubled their lead just before the half-time whistle when Konstantelias met Maximilian Beier’s pass, sending a shot that deflected off Sebastiaan Bornauw and into the net.
Hamburg showed signs of resurgence after the hour mark as Patson Daka missed a pair of chances, including a curling effort that struck the outside of the post.
Dortmund were reduced to ten men when substitute Samuele Inacio was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Albert Gronbæk. Despite the numerical advantage, late efforts from Gronbæk and Albert Sambi Lokonga missed the target, allowing Dortmund to coast to their first clean sheet and victory of the new Bundesliga campaign.
