Borussia Dortmund’s fans had to wait a little longer to see new Portuguese signing Fábio Silva in action, with the forward sidelined due to muscular problems. Although the club was aware of the issue before completing the deal, they pressed on with the transfer, underlining their confidence in Silva’s ability to make an impact once fit. Supporters at the Westfalenstadion were introduced to him before kick-off, but the player had to watch from the stands as his side eased to a convincing 3-0 victory over Union Berlin.
In Silva’s absence, attention fell on Dortmund’s other fresh recruits, Aarón Anselmino and Carney Chukwuemeka, who were both included in the squad. Their presence added to the buzz around Niko Kovač’s team, who were looking to bounce back from their opening-day draw. The additions underlined Dortmund’s determination to strengthen across the pitch as they push for a genuine challenge in both the Bundesliga and Europe this season.
Pre-match, sports betting fast withdrawal platforms had tipped Dortmund as favourites, with odds of 4/6 for a home win, 3/1 for a draw, and 4/1 for Union Berlin to snatch an upset. With the match ending 3-0 in Dortmund’s favour, those backing the hosts were rewarded, and the growing popularity of these digital betting options was once again highlighted.
The match itself began with Union Berlin showing early promise, as goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow later pointed out. The visitors pressed high in the opening 15 minutes, creating a few half-chances and making life uncomfortable for Dortmund. However, once BVB settled, their control grew steadily, and by the midway point of the first half they had found the breakthrough goal. That early strike set the tone for the remainder of the contest, with Dortmund dictating possession and tempo.
Union were not without opportunities of their own. Rønnow noted after the match that his side created two strong chances in the second half which Dortmund’s goalkeeper dealt with smartly. Those missed opportunities proved costly, as instead of equalising, Union fell two goals behind. From that point on, Dortmund’s confidence surged, their dominance becoming increasingly clear as the minutes ticked by.
The second half saw Dortmund’s attacking strength on full display. With Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko stretching Union’s defence, the home side struck again to put the contest beyond doubt. A third goal late on completed the victory, sending the Yellow Wall into raptures and securing Dortmund’s first Bundesliga win of the season.
After the final whistle, Rønnow delivered a blunt assessment of Union’s shortcomings. “I think, especially in the first 15 to 20 minutes, we started really well. Then they had more control in the rest of the first half and they scored the first goal. It was a stupid goal for us to concede,” he said. The Danish keeper lamented missed opportunities, admitting the turning point came when Dortmund doubled their lead: “Instead of possibly equalising the game it becomes 2-0 and it’s just not good enough.”
Asked about Union’s struggles in Dortmund over recent seasons, Rønnow pointed to lapses in focus. “Super difficult. We have struggled coming here during my time at Union. There were good things today, but for me, things we have to do better. Especially when we play a top opponent like this; we have to be more brave with the ball and sharp in every situation in both penalty areas,” he reflected.
For Dortmund, the victory was more than just three points. It demonstrated resilience after their opening-day draw and showcased the strength in depth added by summer signings. Although Silva was not fit to feature, his arrival alongside Anselmino and Chukwuemeka highlighted the club’s ambition. The Portuguese forward is expected back in the coming weeks, and supporters are eager to see what he can add to an already potent frontline.
Union Berlin, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their defensive resilience cracked under pressure, and while Rønnow was quick to acknowledge moments of positivity, there was little hiding from the fact that Dortmund were comfortably the superior side. After the upcoming international break, Die Eisernen will return to Bundesliga action for Matchday 3 at the Alte Försterei, where they will face TSG Hoffenheim.
The Westfalenstadion was electric, and the manner of the win will have satisfied Kovac as he continues to mould his team. Dortmund’s campaign is now properly underway, and with key signings waiting to make their mark, the future looks promising. For Union, the lesson is clear: against the league’s top sides, every detail matters.
