Chelsea fought back from a first-half deficit to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The English club demonstrated superiority for most of the evening, while Borussia Dortmund pressed to overturn the deficit after the 2-0 aggregate score, but could not forge a late equaliser that would have forced extra time.
The full story of Chelsea against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League unfolds here.
Potter’s side pressed Dortmund high up the pitch, stifling the German outfit with disciplined pressing and well-timed interceptions. After a series of warnings, Sterling found a breakthrough just before the half-time whistle by piercing the defensive wall and leveling the tie. The second period saw a handball by Wolf reviewed on video assistant replay by referee Danny Makkelie, resulting in a penalty decision.
Havertz initially saw his attempt from the spot saved, only for the kick to be ordered to be retaken because Dortmund players encroached into the box too early. On the retrial, Havertz converted, giving Chelsea the lead and tipping the momentum in their favour. Dortmund responded with urgency, pushing for goals, but the Blues held firm and eventually sealed the win that confirmed their progression. The Ruhr side rallied but could not complete the comeback and were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Chelsea, after a challenging campaign at Stamford Bridge, breathed new life with a knockout-stage performance that signalled resilience and character.
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Havertz, scoring second, put Potter’s team ahead.
Havertz struck the post with the initial penalty, prompting a retake, and the second try found the net. Chelsea moved closer to the quarter-finals. pic.twitter.com/IqI1MOAuX0
— GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) March 7, 2023
Chelsea edges the tie forward
Chelsea faces a dangerous moment
Havertz had the clearest chance in front of goal
Kepa produced a crucial save to deny an impressive effort from Reus
Early in the match, Sterling faced criticism for a decisive error
♂️ What did Sterling do? It might have been offside, but the Englishman made a costly misstep with the goal in sight. pic.twitter.com/T6haGoWvgs
— GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) March 7, 2023
Eleven Chelsea players were named: Kepa, Reece James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Chilwell, Kovacic, Enzo Fernández, Sterling, Joao Félix, and Havertz.
Eleven Dortmund players were listed: Meyer, Wolf, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro, Emre Can, Ozcan, Bellingham, Reus, Brandt, and Haller.
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Source: Goal