The Blues produced a display Frank Lampard, John Terry & co. would’ve been proud of to reach the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition
Chelsea drew on the spirit of some of their past European triumphs on Tuesday, showing impressive grit to overturn a one-goal aggregate deficit to win 2-0 and send Borussia Dortmund packing from the Champions League last 16.
The contrast in the two sides’ form ahead of the return leg could hardly have been more stark; Dortmund have won every match they’ve played in 2023, while Chelsea’s narrow weekend victory over Leeds was their first in seven games.
However, Chelsea upset the form book and were on the front foot from the first whistle.
Kai Havertz was the hero as he delivered another big-game performance for the Blues. Having been denied by the goalkeeper and the woodwork, he netted the decisive goal from a retaken penalty for handball early in the second half – keeping his cool having missed his initial effort as a VAR review for encroachment saved his blushes.
The German played a key role in the opener, too, expertly executing a wicked flick in the build-up before Raheem Sterling lashed into the roof of the net at the second time of asking shortly before the interval.
Despite their sensational winning form, Dortmund had very few efforts of note. Marco Reus’ first-half free-kick forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a good save, while Jude Bellingham’s shooting boots were missing and he fired wide on two occasions.
Against all odds, its is Graham Potter’s Chelsea side who will take their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the manager coming through two crucial games with flying colours.
WINNER: Graham Potter
There is no underestimating just how big this result is for Potter.
It had been rumoured that his job would be on the line if his side failed to beat Leeds on Saturday and exited the Champions League three days later.
Lo and behold, Potter has come through this most testing of spells with flying colours – and you could see he enjoyed it too, as he allowed his usually calm demeanour to slip, rallying the Chelsea fans and celebrating with the Shed End at full-time.
Potter is back in business. READ MORE
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