A hard-fought victory, but also worries: Borussia Dortmund started the Champions League with a win against FC Villarreal. However, the 3:2 (0:0) was overshadowed by health problems for Konstantinos Karetsas. Vor 77.500 Zuschauern im stimmungsvollen Dortmunder Stadion musste der griechische Neuzugang mit Kreislaufproblemen schon in der ersten Hälfte mit einer Trage vom Platz gebracht werden.
“It was of course extremely bitter that the second Greek had to leave the pitch,” said BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel after the game at Prime. “I hope that everything is okay and that he will be back with us quickly.” Even without the offensive driver, Dortmund improved after the break and deserved to win.
Villarreal's Renato Veiga with an own goal (53rd minute) and Serhou Guirassy (80th/85th, penalty kick) made the BVB fans cheer. Santiago Mouriño (66') and an own goal from Guirassy (90'+3) scored Villarreal's goals.
Despite the annoying own goal at the end of the game, the French striker put Dortmund on the road to victory with his brace. “There shouldn’t have been any goals conceded, we have to work on that,” said Guirassy at Prime. «We are of course happy that we ultimately won the game. That gives you confidence for the rest of the season.”
Villarreal got off to a better start
During the warm-up, the Dortmund fans heated up their team with loud chants and plenty of pyrotechnics. The Spanish supporters who traveled with them didn't have much to offer them vocally. No wonder: According to stadium spokesman Norbert Dickel, exactly 39 Villarreal fans were present.
However, the guests did well on the pitch and had their first opportunities. However, Pau Navarro and Tani Oluwaseyi did not hit the ball correctly from a promising position. Georges Mikautadze was so surprised by his huge chance after a quarter of an hour that he didn't pose any problems for BVB keeper Gregor Kobel from close range.
Guirassy misses, Karetsas suddenly lies on the grass
Dortmund had more possession of the ball, but didn't know what to do with it. Guirassy narrowly missed a cross from Maximilian Beier in the center. Otherwise there was little going on in the Villarreal penalty area. However, that wasn't the most annoying thing of the first half from BVB's perspective, but rather the next unplanned substitution.
Karetsas suddenly sank to the ground without any outside influence. The 18-year-old was carried off the pitch because of circulatory problems and held his left arm in front of his face. While the game was still going on, he went to the hospital for further examinations. The Greek is doing well under the circumstances, BVB said.
Ethan Nwaneri came into the game for Karetsas, having only been signed at the end of the transfer period in response to the cruciate ligament tear of Karetsas' Greek compatriot Giannis Konstantelias - also a new signing.
Lots of action in the second half
Nwaneri was immediately good in the game and boosted BVB's attacks. However, the 19-year-old's first shots were blocked. On the other side, Kobel prevented Tajon Buchanan from going behind on an attempt.
After the break, Dortmund got into the game well and were initially unlucky. Ein abgefälschter Schuss von Nwaneri landete am Pfosten. Shortly afterwards, Veiga involuntarily pushed the ball over the line after a sharp pass from Beier.
The BVB fans celebrated, but Villarreal fought back against the defeat. Initially, coach Iñigo Pérez's team didn't aim well enough in their shots or failed because of the strong Kobel. But defender Santiago Mouriño equalized after a corner.
Dortmund now showed a strong reaction. BVB increased the pressure and created chances. Guirassy sorgte zunächst für die erneute Führung und mit seinem verwandelten Strafstoß wenig später dann für die Vorentscheidung. An own goal from the double packer Guirassy after a free kick made the game even more exciting.
Villareal ran again in the final seconds, but to the Spaniards' annoyance they were unable to equalize. Unlucky own goal Veiga tore the collar of his jersey in anger after the final whistle.
