Borussia Dortmund 3-0 SV Darmstadt 98 (13 Jan, 2024) Game Analysis

Fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund beat Darmstadt 98 3-0 on Saturday for a winning start to the year as Jadon Sancho scored a goal on his return to the Ruhr Valley club following his loan from Manchester United.

The England international left Dortmund after four years for United in August 2021, but failed to hold down a regular place and made just three appearances this season after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.

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But he looked right at home as Dortmund claimed their first win in five league matches when the Bundesliga resumed after a three-week winter break.

The visitors scored in the 24th minute following a superb solo run from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as Julian Brandt finished the move with a low shot.

Dortmund had to toil for over an hour, with Darmstadt creating chances and going agonizingly close with a close range header from Luca Pfeifer in the 63rd minute which goalkeeper Gregor Kobel blocked with a reflex save.

Dortmund killed off the game in the 76th minute when Sancho, who came on in the 55th, was sent off and set up compatriot Marco Reus for an easy strike.

Youssoufa Moukoko then made it 3-0 with a great move into the box from deep in stoppage time.

Dortmund are fifth with 30 points, three behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, who lost 1-0 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, and 15 adrift of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.