Two years since his last UEFA Champions League start, American attacker Gio Reyna got to enjoy that feeling Wednesday night.
Reyna started and played 73 minutes as Borussia Dortmund fell to Barcelona 3-2 at Signal Iduna Park. The 22-year-old Reyna made his first start in the competition since September 2022.
“It was great,” Reyna said in a club interview about his return to action. “Just really, really happy to be back on the field. It’s obviously when I’m happiest.
“[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 added. “Really just happy to be back out there today. I just have to take it and fight for more opportunities and look to really improve now.”
Reyna had missed most of the first half of the season following a groin injury suffered in September. However, he has fought his way back into Nuri Sahin’s squad and walked away with confidence tonight.
Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute before Serhou Guirassy tied the match on the hour mark from the penalty spot.
Ferran Torres’ second-half brace would propel Barcelona in front for good, despite Guirassy’s equalizer in the 78th minute. Torres delivered the winner for Hansi Flick’s men five minutes before stoppage time.
Reyna was quiet in his performance, winning just one duels, making one defensive interception, and completing just 75% of his passes.
Fellow USMNT international Cole Campbell dressed but did not feature for the Black and Yellow.
Borussia Dortmund sit ninth in the Champions League table following tonight’s loss and continue Bundesliga play on Sunday against Hoffenheim.