Patson Daka’s Bundesliga debut ended in disappointment as Hamburger SV were beaten 2-0 by Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
The Chipolopolo Boys forward made his first appearance in Germany’s top flight on Saturday after joining Hamburg on a one-year contract following his departure from Leicester City.
Daka started the match and played 67 minutes before being replaced by Moffi, but could not find the breakthrough as Hamburg were outplayed for much of the opening half.
Dortmund took control from the start and opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Serhou Guirassy fired a low finish into the bottom corner.
The hosts continued to dominate, with Hamburg goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes keeping his side in the contest with several important saves.
Dortmund eventually doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through Giannis Konstantelias, whose effort took a deflection off Hamburg defender Jean-Kevin Bornauw on its way into the net.
The statistics underlined Dortmund’s dominance, with the hosts registering 14 shots without reply in the first half and enjoying 68% possession.
Hamburg improved after the interval and Daka came close to giving his side hope, shooting just wide in the 67th minute shortly before being substituted.
The defeat brings a difficult end to what had otherwise been an encouraging build-up for Daka, who scored two goals and provided an assist during pre-season.
Having spent five years in England with Leicester City, Daka is embarking on a new chapter in Germany and will hope his Bundesliga debut is the start of a more productive campaign.
For now, however, the Zambian international and Hamburg must regroup after being handed a tough introduction to life back in the Bundesliga.
