The Patson Daka Bundesliga debut contained more promise than the final score suggested as Hamburger SV lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
Daka started in Hamburg’s attack and played for 67 minutes during his first appearance in Germany’s top division.
The Zambian international endured a difficult opening half as Dortmund dominated possession and kept Hamburg pinned inside their own territory. Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Giannis Konstantelias doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Hamburg did not manage a shot during the opening period, leaving Daka isolated against Dortmund’s defence. The visitors became more adventurous after the break, however, and their improved approach brought the former Leicester City striker into the match.
Daka finds opportunities after difficult first half
Daka received Hamburg’s best opportunity in the 61st minute when Nicolas Capaldo recovered possession and delivered a cross into the penalty area. The forward found himself unmarked but failed to make clean contact, sending the ball wide.
Six minutes later, Daka came even closer. Louis Lemke advanced down the left and found him centrally, allowing the Chipolopolo striker to shape a curling effort towards the top corner. His shot clipped the outside of the post and went behind.
Those were recorded as Hamburg’s two biggest chances of the match. Daka was substituted shortly afterwards and replaced by Terem Moffi.
The misses will frustrate him, particularly because Bundesliga forwards are often judged by how efficiently they use limited opportunities. Still, his movement showed that he can find dangerous positions when Hamburg progress the ball with greater purpose.
The Patson Daka Bundesliga debut therefore offered an early lesson for both player and club. Daka must become more clinical, but Hamburg must also avoid leaving their centre-forward disconnected for long periods.
A difficult result at one of Germany’s toughest grounds does not define his season. The more important question is whether Hamburg can consistently provide him with the service he briefly received after half-time.
