Gio Reyna makes late cameo for Dortmund, but Jadon Sancho's assist in win over Darmstadt offers more evidence that USMNT star faces fight for minutes

Facing off with the team at the bottom of the Bundesliga, Dortmund headed into Saturday's match expecting a win, and that's exactly what they got. The opening goal came from Julian Brandt in the 24th minute, although Jamie Bynoe-Gittens did much of the heavy lifting. The English winger ran a long distance before playing a ball straight into the path of Brandt, who was able to tuck a finish into the far post to seize the lead.

That lead was doubled in the 77th minute as Dortmund effectively sealed all three points with something of a throwback goal. The assist came from the returning Sancho, making his first appearance since returning to the club, while the finish was provided by club legend Marco Reus, making the score 2-0 and all but ending whatever slim hopes there were of a Darmstadt comeback.

YoussoufaMoukoko's late goal made it 3-0, putting an exclamation on a much-needed win for Dortmund.

Sancho's introduction came midway through the second half as the winger made his return to Dortmund return after two-and-a-half years away. Having struggled at Manchester United before feuding with manager Erik Ten Hag, Sancho is now back with his former club on loan as he looks to rebuild his career.

Sancho came on in the 55th minute, replacing his fellow Englishman Bynoe-Gittens. The appearance was Sancho's first since August 26, having been exiled from United training since.

He marked it with an assist, offering a reminder of what he can do when confident and fully firing. Sancho isn't even fully fit yet but, if he can play at a high level, Dortmund will look to push back into the upper echelon of the Bundesliga having slipped throughout the first half of the season.

Sancho's return to Dortmund seemingly spells bad news for Reyna, who was struggling for minutes even before the winger's arrival. Reyna is currently behind both Brandt and Marco Reus on the depth chart when it comes to the No. 10 position, and Sancho's arrival only adds another option to a crowded picture on the wings. Moukoko's late goal will only further his case, too, adding more intrigue to the Dortmund attack.

Reyna hasn't seen the field enough this season and has played just 231 minutes in the Bundesliga, making just one start. Things haven't been much better in other competitions with Reyna playing 70 minutes in the DFB-Pokal and 20 in the Champions League. The American has been linked with a move away from Dortmund, with clubs in Ligue 1 and La Liga among those reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

His late cameo off the bench won't silence the rumors as Reyna seems destined for an interesting January.

Gio Reyna (N/A):

Still on the outside looking in for Dortmund, even with his late cameo during garbage time. How much longer will he remain in this situation? We'll find out soon!

Having now beaten the last-place team in the Bundesliga, Dortmund's next match in league play will come against the second-worst, Koln, who will host Reyna, Sancho and co. at the RheinEnergieStadion on January 20.