Guirassy scores twice and then into his own net as Dortmund edge Villarreal

"Konstantinos Karetsas had to leave the field due to circulatory problems," it read. "Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is on his way to the hospital for further tests."

No further update had been published at the time of writing. The wording was careful, but the player left the pitch conscious and the club was willing to characterise his condition publicly within the hour, which is generally a reassuring sign.

Two goals, then an own goal

The football that followed was chaotic.

Renato Veiga's own goal in the 53rd minute put Dortmund ahead. Santiago Mouriño equalised in the 66th. Serhou Guirassy restored the lead in the 80th and added a third from the penalty spot in the 85th.

Then, in added time, Guirassy scored an own goal while trying to help out in defence — turning a 3-1 lead into a 3-2 finish and a nervous conclusion he had personally created.

Two goals and an own goal in a single match is an unusual line for any player, and a particularly unusual one for a centre-forward dropping back to defend a two-goal lead in the 90th minute.

The result in context

Dortmund held on. Three points from a home opener against Villarreal is the outcome they would have taken beforehand, and the manner of it will be forgotten quickly.

What will not be is the sight of an 18-year-old leaving on a stretcher on the night he was supposed to be introduced to the competition.