Borussia Dortmund made a comfortable start to their DFB-Pokal campaign as Niko Kovac’s side cruised to a 5-0 victory over fifth-tier HEBC Hamburg at the Volksparkstadion.
Dortmund entered the competition as overwhelming favourites, but HEBC were determined to make the most of an unforgettable occasion. The fifth-tier side moved the fixture from their modest 2,500-capacity home ground to Hamburg’s 57,000-seat Volksparkstadion, with 45,917 spectators turning up to create a memorable atmosphere.
Despite effectively surrendering home advantage, HEBC held their own during the opening half-hour. Dortmund, who reached the Champions League final in 2024, dominated possession but initially struggled to find a way through a disciplined amateur defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute. Dortmund’s sustained pressure eventually told when HEBC defender Janek Wrede turned the ball into his own net, giving the Bundesliga side the lead and relieving any early tension.
The floodgates opened almost immediately afterwards. Just three minutes after the own goal, Daniel Svensson doubled Dortmund’s advantage, putting the visitors firmly in control and leaving HEBC with a mountain to climb.
Bagging his brace. 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/rOhw6O1IEU
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) September 1, 2026
Teenage forward Samuele Inacio then took centre stage. The 18-year-old struck twice before half-time, turning a competitive opening period into a one-sided contest and effectively ending any realistic hopes of a famous cup upset.
Kovac had made seven changes to his starting XI, using the fixture as an opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of a busy Bundesliga schedule. Deadline-day signing Ethan Nwaneri was not involved, however, with the Arsenal loanee arriving too late to make his Dortmund debut.
Nicely done, lads. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/FMQbYZJ8Uc
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) September 1, 2026
Dortmund continued to control proceedings after the interval, although the intensity understandably dropped with the tie already decided. Fabio Silva added a fifth goal shortly before the hour mark, completing a routine victory for the visitors.
