AND BREATHE! Chelsea advanced! After falling short in the first leg, Graham Potter’s Blues achieved the comeback to eliminate Borussia Dortmund and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The match came with its rollercoaster up and downs but the boys in blue got the job done in classic Chelsea fashion.
In what felt like an eternity of bad luck, Chelsea through Raheem Sterling broke the ice of the match and drew first blood to level the aggregate score line to 1-1 right before halftime. The blissfulness of scoring did not come without its tribulations. The Blues suffered in front of the goal as they had several chances to score early in the match where they dominated with their press. Moreover, Dortmund gave away sloppy passes to thrust Chelsea in transition. But all counter-attacks were in vain as each breakaway ended up unsuccessful, something that has been plaguing the Blues all season).
When Chelsea did manage to score, they immediately reflected the urgency in the second half. A quick Chelsea attack led to Ben Chilwell attacking down the left flank which led to Chilwell’s cross being deflected by Marius Wolf. Immediately after the deflection, everyone in the stadium protested a handball from the German defender. After VAR correctly reviewed the play, the penalty was given, Of course, it came with its hurdles as the initial penalty by the new penalty taker was missed. However, after careful review, it was deemed that Salih Özcan encroached on the original spot-kick and the penalty was retaken. This time Kai Havertz did not miss and Chelsea were 2-0 up.
From there on forward, Potter made his tactile changes and held on to the lead to give Chelsea the massive boost it needed in this plagued-tale season. Without further ado, let us share the post-match reactions from our fellow writers.
Vik (@CFCVik)
Great performance and result. Every single player showed fight, grit, and quality on and off the ball. Chelsea could’ve scored more but everyone was brilliant – Cucurella, Chilwell, and Koulibaly in particular really impressed me. The atmosphere was incredible and if we go on to beat Leicester then something certainly is brewing.
Rob (@RJPJournalism)
Supporters: phenomenal. Players: flawless. Tactics: Spot on. Chelsea: In the Quarter Finals. Graham Potter needed a big performance and the players delivered in absolute spades. Everyone was superb but special shout-outs to Kai and Cucurella who were phenomenal after recent criticism. Ben Chilwell is the outstanding player on the pitch for me – we have missed him so much. Surely, surely we can’t win No. 3?
Rey (@Rey_Blues30)
Wow. just wow. Man emotions are running over my body but it is safe to say that Chelsea Football Club for the night, is back. I have to give credit to Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella for their performance as it hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for both players. Every player today played their butt off and showed that they are in fact behind the manager and fighting for the club. It wasn’t the easiest of games but we were the better team at the final whistle. Despite the controversial calls throughout the match, Chelsea created better chances throughout both legs and therefore deserved to win the tie. Quarter-finals here we come. Now onto Leicester City to continue to get results and build on this momentum. CMON YOU BLUES!
John Tateossian (@johntat16)
To be honest, I am still not sure how to react to that match because I am still over the moon, but WOW what a match it was. It’s times like these that truly make being a Chelsea fan something I would never ever trade. Something about the Champions League that makes our players just turn on that switch. While the Leeds game was a victory, it was a shaky one at best, Chelsea did not appear that way against Dortmund. Every player on that pitch came out with a burning desire to win and it showed. I don’t think I have a negative thing to say about any of the players. A few key standouts for me were the whole back line of Fofana, Koulibaly, and Cucurella, as well as Chilwell and Havertz. Like I said though, every player left their all out on that pitch and brought us yet another memorable Champions League night. It is victories like that, which can turn the entire course of a team mentality right around.
Ben (@CarefreeCFC20)
Overall I thought this was a really positive performance from a Chelsea point of view. Ben Chilwell looked excellent at both ends of the pitch, with Reece James also putting in an impressive Captain-Esque performance on the other flank. There is still work to do from the attacking side of things, as there’s no doubt the Blues should’ve scored many more across the tie – but at the end of the day the boys did the job that was needed and we are through to the next round!
James Logan (@Prof_JLO)
After the first leg away at Dortmund the return match was always going to be a tricky feat especially with the Blues’ current form. However, after a win at home to Leeds it was clear the momentum would be with Chelsea to get a positive result against the joint Bundesliga leaders. Cucurella, Havertz and Sterling all really impressed despite questions being asked beforehand over their performances with Kepa being solid in goal. Potter also got the tactics and substitutions spot in order to shut down the game and keep Dortmund from scoring. There is still much improvement with finishing still an issue but with confidence building within the side it would be a good time to capitalise on players returning from both injury and suspension. Heading on to Leicester at the weekend Potter’s Blues will push for a thidd successive win in all competitions.
Written by Rey Stevinho (@Rey_Blues30)
Edited by Harrison Burridge (@hburridge2)
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