Jadon Sancho stars as Dortmund boost UCL hopes with victory over Leverkusen

Updated: May 17, 2024, 12:31 am

Jadon Sancho celebrates after scoring for Borussia Dortmund against Bayer Leverkusen.
Jadon Sancho celebrates after scoring for Borussia Dortmund against Bayer Leverkusen.
Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images

Jadon Sancho starred as Borussia Dortmund took a big step toward Champions League qualification, thrashing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Saturday.

The English forward scored one goal -- his first in the Bundesliga -- and displayed wonderful skill before setting up two more to help Dortmund replace Leverkusen in third, three points clear. The top four qualify for the European club competition.

Sancho, a member of England's triumphant Under-17s World Cup campaign last year, was handed a rare start and took advantage by scoring early when he curled the ball inside the far post after some good work from Christian Pulisic.

Marco Reus had a goal ruled out for offside and a penalty kick saved, but he finally scored when Mario Gotze set him free with a deft touch early in the second half.

Sancho showed a wonderful first touch to take the ball with the side of his foot in his stride before setting up Maximilian Philipp for Dortmund's third, and the 18-year-old Sancho picked out Reus with a precise cross for the fourth with Germany coach Joachim Low in the stands.