Gio Reyna is back for Dortmund as they kick off their Europa League campaign on Thursday after dropping out of the Champions League. Speaking to the media, Dortmund manager Marco Rose said, “Gio Reyna will probably be back,” for Thursday’s round of 32 first leg against Rangers. With two storied clubs facing off, this is a match that will have the feel of a Champions League clash.
Rangers are second in the Scottish Premiership after Celtic jumped them, but they have responded by scoring 10 goals and allowing zero in their last three matches. Dortmund have struggled of late, falling out of the DFB-Pokal and allowing five goals to Bayer Leverkusen in a loss.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 17 | Time: 12:45 P.M. ET
- Location: Signal Iduna Park — Dortmund, Germany
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Dortmund -250; Draw +375; Rangers +650 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Dortmund: Through Erling Haaland all things are possible but he can only do so much to paper over a bad defense. Reyna’s return will help the attack but based on the 57 goals that Dortmund have scored in the Bundesliga this season, attacking isn’t the issue. Emre Can will be missed in this tie as Rangers can mix it up in attack and Dortmund have been susceptible in defense, allowing three or more goals in six matches across all competitions this season.
Rangers: Aaron Ramsey has begun to get integrated into the team, starting the last few matches but it’ll be the performance of forward Kemar Roofe that will decide the match. Rangers are a strong defensive side but stopping Dortmund is easier said than done. This match could very well turn into a shootout.
Prediction
Haaland can’t be stopped as Dortmund win a high-scoring affair. Pick: Dortmund 3, Rangers 2
