Gio Reyna’s rocket lifts Borussia Dortmund to stunning 4-3 win over Augsburg

Borussia Dortmund made a winning start to 2023 as they claimed a stunning 4-3 win over FC Augsburg in what was a roller-coaster of a game.

Gio Reyna came up with a 78th minute winner as Borussia Dortmund got the better of Augsburg in a seven goal thriller. Jude Bellingham, Nico Schlotterbeck and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens were also on target for the Black and Yellows, while Sebastien Haller made his return to competitive football just six months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The game was the perfect advent for the Bundesliga, as fans were treated to some sublime football and exquisite goals. But Borussia Dortmund’s superior quality in front of goal helped them see off the challenge of Augsburg in the end.

Edin Terzic’s side started the game on the front foot and looked lively going forward in the first half. Jude Bellingham set the tone for his side with another masterful performance in midfield.

After going close on a couple of occasions, Borussia Dortmund finally got their breakthrough in the 30th minute. And it was Bellingham who found the back of the net with a precise finish. The England international received the ball on the edge of the box with a number of defenders in front of him. But somehow he found the space to take his shot and managed to beat Augsburg goalkeeper Rafał Gikiewicz.

Borussia Dortmund’s lead lasted only 11 minutes though, as a lapse in concentration from Nico Schlotterbeck allowed Arne Maier to capitalise and make it 1-1.

Schlotterbeck made amends for his mistake and restored Dortmund’s advantage just two minutes later with a fine header at the end of Julian Brandt’s free-kick. But more sloppy defending from the BVB players helped Augsburg equalise once again, with Ermedin Demirović making it 2-2 on the stroke of half time.

Augsburg took the momentum from their equaliser into the second half as well, and caused Borussia Dortmund a few problems with their high pressing and intensity in defence. More lapses in concentration followed, but Enrico Maaßen’s side weren’t able to take advantage.

Borussia Dortmund looked to be off their pace for much of the second half. With his team desperately needing a goal, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens stepped up and produced a moment of magic. The highly rated winger dribbled inside from the left wing and let his shot fly from the edge of the box to make it 3-2. But Augsburg equalised again less than 90 seconds later, with David Čolina scoring on the rebound after Kelvin Yeboah’s shot hit the post.

Borussia Dortmund then issued an instant response of their own, as Gio Reyna called game by finding the back of the net with an incredible outside of the foot shot from the right wing. The USMNT international’s celebrations were a clear response to the recent drama surrounding his time at the FIFA World Cup.

Reyna’s rocket helped Borussia Dortmund take home the three points and close the gap to Bayern Munich. But Edin Terzic will know that there is plenty of work to be done, especially on the defensive side of things.