Gio Reyna’s Return: A Glimmer of Hope in Dortmund’s Tough Night Against Barcelona
It’s been a long, winding road for Gio Reyna, but the American midfielder is finally back in Borussia Dortmund’s starting lineup after more than a year. Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League may not have been the result Dortmund fans were hoping for, but for Reyna, it marked a significant milestone in his career. And let’s be honest, it’s a moment U.S. soccer fans have been eagerly waiting for as well.
Reyna’s return to the starting XI comes at a time when both he and Dortmund are navigating some major changes. For Reyna, this is a chance to reestablish himself as a key player for the German club and potentially for the United States as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. For Dortmund, it’s a moment to see if the 21-year-old can help fill the gaps left by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Reyna’s Performance: Solid but Subtle
In his 73 minutes on the pitch against Barcelona, Reyna didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, but he also didn’t look out of place. That’s a win in itself, considering the repeated injuries that have plagued his young career. He looked fit, composed, and ready to contribute, even if his impact wasn’t game-changing just yet.
“It was great. Just really, really happy to be back on the field. It’s obviously when I’m happiest,” Reyna said in a video interview released by the club early Thursday. He added, “[Coach Nuri Sahin] really just wanted me to play my game and use my ability on the ball and talents to find the ball in areas and get other guys involved, and I feel like I did a good job of that.”
Reyna’s optimism is contagious, and his determination to fight for more opportunities is exactly what Dortmund needs right now. “I just have to take it and fight for more opportunities and look to really improve now,” he said. That’s the kind of mindset that could see him become a regular starter again.
A Year of Challenges
Reyna’s last start for Dortmund came on November 1, 2023. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster. A disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he struggled to make an impact, was followed by a groin strain that kept him out of the first four U.S. games under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. Meanwhile, Dortmund reached the Champions League final without him, a bittersweet moment for the young midfielder.
Now, with Julian Brandt sidelined due to injury, Reyna has a golden opportunity to step up. Dortmund’s next game is against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday, and all eyes will be on whether Reyna can build on this performance.
Young Guns in Dortmund’s Attack
Reyna wasn’t the only young talent on display for Dortmund on Wednesday. The 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens, who has already scored nine goals this season, and 18-year-old Julien Duranville, making his first start of the season, joined him in a youthful attacking lineup. Duranville, in particular, impressed with his energy and creativity.
While the future looks bright for Dortmund’s attack, the same can’t be said for their defense. Nico Schlotterbeck’s severe-looking ankle injury in the dying seconds of the game has left Dortmund in a defensive crisis. With Niklas Süle already out for months and Waldemar Anton’s return from a muscle injury still uncertain, Dortmund is running out of options at the back.
Defensive Woes: A Crisis at the Back
Schlotterbeck’s injury is a massive blow. Coach Nuri Sahin didn’t mince words, calling it a “total meltdown” in an interview with broadcaster DAZN. Schlotterbeck had already been playing alongside midfielder Emre Can in defense due to the team’s injury woes. Now, with Schlotterbeck sidelined, Dortmund is left without any fit central defenders.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Schlotterbeck suffered ligament damage, but they didn’t provide a specific timeline for his recovery. They did, however, say it’s “questionable” whether he’ll play again before the new year. The one silver lining? Dortmund only has two more games before the 19-day winter break, which starts after their match against Wolfsburg on December 22.
What’s Next for Dortmund and Reyna?
For Dortmund, the immediate focus will be on patching up their defense and getting through the next two games without further injuries. For Reyna, it’s about building on this performance and proving he can be a consistent contributor. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, U.S. fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of a resurgence for one of their brightest talents.
Reyna’s journey back to the starting lineup is a testament to his resilience and determination. While Dortmund’s loss to Barcelona exposed some vulnerabilities, it also highlighted the potential of their young stars. And for Reyna, it’s a step in the right direction—one that could lead to bigger and better things in the months to come.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
