Worrying about Constantelias: Dortmund win with Greek music as the opener against Hamburg

Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over HSV in their Bundesliga opener, with the match marked by emotional highs and lows. The game took place on Saturday evening at Signal Iduna Park, where fans witnessed a blend of footballing brilliance and dramatic twists. The win came after a first half that showcased the potential of two young Greek players, Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias, who played pivotal roles in the triumph. The first half saw Dortmund dominate, with Karetsas setting up a goal for Serhou Guirassy in the 8th minute and Konstantelias scoring the opening goal in the 45th plus second minute. Their performances were described as exceptional, with both players contributing significantly beyond just scoring. They displayed composure, creativity, and a willingness to take risks, qualities that have been praised by team captain Waldemar Anton. “The first half was top,” Anton said. “We executed everything we wanted.” However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Konstantelias suffered a suspected knee injury during a challenge with Bakary Jatta near the center of the field. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his knee and then covering his face. The incident sparked concern among the coaching staff and fans alike. Sport director Nils Book acknowledged the worry, stating, “We should be careful about what we communicate,” though he admitted the fear of a severe injury was present. Compounding the challenges, young midfielder Samuele Inacio received a red card in the 77th minute following a brutal foul, despite not touching the ball. This left Dortmund with fewer options and forced them to rely heavily on their resilience. Despite these setbacks, they managed to hold off a determined HSV side, which had moments of danger, including a shot from Patson Daka hitting the post and a missed volley from Albert Sambi Lokonga. The performance of the Greek duo remained a highlight of the match. Both players demonstrated technical skill and tactical awareness, traits that have drawn praise from coach Niko Kovač. While Konstantelias played more directly towards the opponent’s goal, Karetsas exhibited a more intricate style, creating opportunities for teammates like Jobe Bellingham. Kovač noted, “That’s exactly what we want.” However, the absence of Konstantelias due to injury raised questions about the team's depth and adaptability. The match ended under heavy rain, with Dortmund clinging to their lead through grit and determination. The result underscores the ongoing development of the squad, particularly the integration of new signings such as Konstantelias, who joined from PAOK Saloniki for €26 million in August. His impact has already begun to shape the team's identity, even amid uncertainty surrounding his fitness. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring the health and consistency of key players like Konstantelias. The club will need to monitor his condition closely, while also addressing the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Inacio’s dismissal. For now, the victory stands as a testament to the team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain its competitive edge in the Bundesliga.