20 Shots and a 2-0 Win: Dortmund Start with Control

Borussia Dortmund opened their Bundesliga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Dortmund scored in the ninth and 45th minutes, taking a two-goal lead into half-time and holding it through the second period despite finishing with 10 players.

Early control gives Dortmund the lead

Serhou Guirassy put Borussia Dortmund ahead after nine minutes, converting a normal goal assisted by Konstantinos Karetsas. The early breakthrough helped Niko Kovac’s 3-4-3 settle into the match, while Hamburger SV, operating in Merlin Polzin’s 3-4-2-1, struggled to create the same volume of attacking opportunities.

Dortmund doubled their advantage just before the interval when Giannis Konstantelias scored in the 45th minute. The goal left the hosts 2-0 ahead at half-time and ultimately proved decisive, as Hamburger SV could not find a response after the break. Konstantelias was replaced by Marcel Sabitzer in the 54th minute, while Karetsas departed for Samuele Inácio in the 74th.

Dortmund’s attacking edge reflected in the numbers

The statistics indicate that Dortmund were the more assertive side. They had 56% possession and completed 471 accurate passes from 537 total, compared with Hamburger SV’s 340 accurate passes from 417. Dortmund also led 20-8 in total shots, including a 12-4 advantage for attempts from inside the box, and registered six shots on goal to Hamburger SV’s three.

The scoreline was therefore consistent with the balance of play rather than being shaped by a late defensive escape. Hamburger SV’s goalkeeper made five saves, but the visitors did not turn their eight shots into a goal. Dortmund also produced four blocked shots, while Hamburger SV had none. Dortmund’s three corners and 19 free kicks further reflected their territorial pressure, although the visitors committed more fouls, 19 to 13.

Red card adds late complication

Dortmund’s clean sheet came under greater pressure after Samuele Inácio was sent off in the 77th minute. The hosts had already made changes involving Julian Ryerson and Felix Nmecha, and Daniel Svensson was booked in the 85th minute. Ryerson had also received a yellow card in the 58th. Hamburger SV’s only booking went to Albert Sambi Lokonga in the 21st minute, and the visitors were unable to exploit their numerical advantage.

Guirassy leads the ratings

Guirassy was the standout performer, earning an 8.1 rating after playing all 90 minutes. His goal, two shots on target and two key passes underlined his influence. Karetsas also impressed with a 7.7 rating, supplying the assist and recording three shots on target and three key passes.

In the supplied standings, Dortmund are ranked ninth and Hamburger SV 12th. Both teams are listed with zero games and zero points, so the table data does not yet show an updated points impact from this result. On the pitch, however, Dortmund began with a clear win while Hamburger SV left without a goal.