Karetsas scores winner for Dortmund after bathroom break delay

During a Champions League match held on November 5, 2026, Borussia Dortmund defeated Real Betis 2-1. A notable incident involved 19-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, who scored the winning goal after coming off the bench despite a delay in his substitution.

Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac revealed that he intended to substitute Karetsas earlier, but the player was unavailable because he was in the restroom at the crucial moment. Karetsas successfully returned to the bench just in time to enter the pitch. Following his entry, he scored his debut goal for Borussia in his eleventh appearance for the club. The player noted that he received few tactical instructions before entering due to the circumstances, instead focusing on utilizing the space given by the opponent to secure the victory.

This victory marked a significant moment for the young midfielder, who expressed gratitude for his role in the team’s success. The match highlighted the unpredictable nature of football management decisions and individual player readiness.