Sancho back with a bang as Dortmund wins easy
Jadon Sancho celebrated his return to Borussia Dortmund in style with an assist in a 3-0 victory over Darmstadt in the Bundesliga.
Fifth-placed Dortmund eased past bottom side Darmstadt to restart its campaign in 2024 on a positive note as Sancho joined the line-up off the bench after his loan move from Manchester United.
The England international had left Dortmund for United after four years in August 2021 but failed to hold down a regular spot and has made just three appearances this season after becoming embroiled in a row with manager Erik ten Hag.
But he looked right at home as Dortmund earned its first win in five league games after the three-week winter break.
“Ever since I’ve come back it’s felt like home and I’m happy to be on the pitch again," Sancho said after the game.
“I just want to be happy again, be back on the pitch and help the team get back in the top three and qualify for the [UEFA] Champions League.
“I’ve got personal goals that I’m not going to say for now. I just want to help the team.”
The visitors struck in the 24th minute after a superb solo run from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as Julian Brandt finished the move with a low shot.
Dortmund was made to work hard for more than an hour with Darmstadt carving out chances and coming close with a 63rd minute Luca Pfeifer point-blank header that goalkeeper Gregor Kobel blocked with a reflex save.
Dortmund killed off the game in the 76th minute when Sancho, who had come on in the 55th, was sent through and set up fellow substitute Marco Reus for an easy tap-in.
Youssoufa Moukoko then made it 3-0 with a fine move in the box deep in stoppage-time.
