Borussia Dortmund defeated Premier League champions Arsenal 3-2 to lift the 2026 Emirates Cup after an entertaining encounter between the Bundesliga giants and the Gunners.
Arsenal, who were looking to bounce back after their 3-1 defeat to Real Betis, endured another difficult opening half.
Mikel Arteta had criticised his team’s defensive display against Betis, but Dortmund once again exposed weaknesses at the back as Samuele Inacio and 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas put the German side two goals ahead before the interval.
The Gunners created several opportunities but struggled to make them count.
Viktor Gyokeres came closest in the first half when his effort struck the crossbar.
Arsenal eventually reduced the deficit through Ethan Nwaneri, who finished after good build-up play involving Christos Tzolis.
Dortmund restored their two-goal advantage when a poorly defended Arsenal corner presented Joane Gadou with the opportunity to make it 3-1.
Tzolis remained a constant threat for Arsenal and was rewarded when he won a penalty, allowing Gyokeres to convert from the spot and reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The match ended with Dortmund taking the Emirates Cup trophy, although Arsenal had the consolation of winning the post-match penalty shootout 5-4 after successfully converting all their attempts.
Arsenal’s attention now turns to the Community Shield, where they will face Manchester City at Wembley next weekend.
The Gunners will be seeking revenge after City defeated them 2-0 in their most recent meeting at the national stadium in the Carabao Cup final.
Before the Emirates Cup encounter, Arsenal also officially welcomed new signing Bruno Guimaraes to the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the north London club from Newcastle United in a reported £75 million deal.
