JADON SANCHO climbed off the bench to score for Borussia Dortmund against Barcelona after sensationally being dropped for the Champions League clash.
Incredibly his manager Lucien Favre hinted that the winger was “not fully focused” for the game.
Jadon Sancho took aim and fired towards the Barcelona goal 13 minutes from timeCredit: Rex Features
The ball flew past Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with some forceCredit: Reuters
The Borussia Dortmund teenager looked to be a teen desperate to make a point when he came on from the benchCredit: Reuters
But he proved he was anything but as he replaced Nico Schulz at half-time, and netted a brilliant goal in the 77th minute.
Sancho – who later hit the bar – was laid in by Julian Brandt, took a touch to get it out of his feet before slamming the ball past Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
It proved merely a consolation goal however, as his team were comfortably defeated 3-1 in the Nou Camp.
Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann scored for the Spanish champs to seal their passage into the knockout stages.
Jadon Sancho was dropped for the Borussia Dortmund clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
Messi’s goal means he has now scored against his 34th opponent in the Champions League – a new competition record.
He also did it in his 700th game – only Xavi has more appearances for Barcelona with 769.
Sancho’s demotion to the bench comes as transfer speculation mounts that the teenager could move in January, with Barcelona themselves rumoured to be interested.
The Spanish clubs are among a host of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing the former Manchester City youth player.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid could all be preparing a bid for the 19-year-old.
SunSport reported a few days ago how Sancho could be set to leave Dortmund after being left “humiliated”.
MORALE AT ROCK BOTTOM
Sancho’s morale at the Bundesliga club has hit rock-bottom following series of events that has left him feeling victimised.
The first came when the 19-year-old was dropped and fined £86,000 for returning to the club late from international duty.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said there was “no alternative” but to punish the teenager.
He was also forced to train on his own by running in the “pouring rain.”
The next and most damning embarrassment arrived during Dortmund’s 4-0 thrashing of rivals Bayern Munich.
With the score at 1-0, Sancho was sensationally hooked off after just 36 minutes with manager Lucian Favre confirming it was a tactical decision.
According to the Athletic, the England superstar felt like the club purposely made him a scapegoat and have not offered him any protection from supporters.
Sancho has four goals and seven assists in 10 games this season.
Jadon Sancho warmed up for Dortmund – but then took his place on the benchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
