Samuele Inácio turns Dortmund’s patient cup start into a five-goal victory

Borussia Dortmund reached the second round of the DFB Cup with a 5-0 win over HEBC at the Volksparkstadion. The fifth-tier side protected its penalty area for more than half an hour, but an own goal opened the match. Daniel Svensson, Samuele Inácio twice and Fabio Silva then completed the scoring.

HEBC’s first half-hour made Dortmund solve a real problem

Dortmund controlled possession from the start, yet early control did not produce an immediate goal. HEBC stayed compact, protected central space and forced the favourite to keep circulating the ball. That phase matters because the final score can hide the work needed to break the match open. Dortmund had to keep width, avoid rushed shots and continue moving the defensive line until a crossing lane appeared.

The own goal changed the pressure around the tie

Julian Ryerson’s cross was diverted into the HEBC net by Janek Wrede in the 33rd minute. The action ended the long scoreless period and removed the smaller club’s ability to defend only for time. An own goal is unfortunate, but it also came from sustained pressure in a dangerous channel. Dortmund created the situation by reaching the outside of the defence and delivering before the block could reset.

Three more goals before the break ended the contest

Svensson scored three minutes after the opener, and Inácio added two goals before half-time. The sequence was decisive because HEBC had little time to recover between attacks. Dortmund did not simply celebrate the first breakthrough; the team kept its structure and attacked the spaces that became available. The score moved from a tense cup tie to a controlled lead without a long period in which the underdog could rebuild confidence.

Inácio answered a difficult league weekend with action

The young Italian had been sent off against Hamburg in the league opener. His cup response was measured through movement and finishing rather than through a dramatic statement. He arrived in the correct areas, combined with senior teammates and completed two chances. That performance does not erase the red card, but it shows a useful reaction: discipline is repaired over time, while the next match still demands concentration on the current task.

Rotation gave Dortmund information beyond the result

Niko Kovač changed seven starters, Joey Veerman made his first start and Mathis Albert began a professional match for the first time. Cup rotation carries risk because new combinations can slow the opening rhythm. It also gives the staff evidence about which players understand the system without a long run of league minutes. The clean sheet and controlled second half allowed Dortmund to protect regular starters while keeping the tie secure.

Fabio Silva closed the scoring after the interval

Silva scored in the 59th minute after Veerman drove into the box. HEBC goalkeeper Nils Ahmann then made several saves that stopped the margin growing further. Those details prevent the second half from being described as one continuous attack with no resistance. Dortmund remained dangerous, but the host still competed and produced defensive actions after the outcome was effectively settled.

Dortmund built the 5-0 win in two clear phases

HEBC resisted until the 33rd minute, when Dortmund found the opening goal and quickly turned control into a four-goal half-time lead. Silva added the final goal after the break. The score reflects one completed cup match: Dortmund accelerated late in the first half, then managed the second period without allowing the hosts back into the contest. Inácio’s breakthrough belonged to that decisive burst.

The next cup round will require a fresh match plan

Advancing against HEBC gives Dortmund a place in the last 32, not an advantage in the next scoreline. The opponent and venue of the following tie create a new tactical problem. Rotation choices that worked against a fifth-tier defence may not suit a faster pressing team. The 5-0 result can support confidence, but preparation must begin again when the draw and schedule are confirmed.