Chelsea catch up and knock out Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea 2-0 Borussia Dortmund

Goals: Sterling (43^e) and Havertz (53^eSP)

They were no longer putting one foot in front of the other, they were having a terrible time getting a win, they were no longer managing to deceive a goalkeeper or so few… And then, finally, they kind of restarted their season in space of an evening. In 90 minutes, the players of Chelsea indeed went to seek their qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League by overthrowing Borussia Dortmund who had nevertheless won 1-0 in the first leg.

Stronger, more determined, more incisive, luckier too: far from the image they have given in recent weeks, the Blues overpowered the disappointing Germans by scoring a goal just before and just after half-time. The first from Sterling, the second from Havertz on a missed penalty, then to be withdrawn. In short: the English are doing well, but they deserve it.

Havertz’s double second chance

What to remember from the first period, first? Lots of things, to tell the truth, knowing that the story starts badly for Dortmund who loses Brandt very quickly to injury. Chelsea then tries to take advantage of it, but the pace he imposes does nothing. Worse, it is Arrizabalaga who must pull off a decisive save to avoid a two-goal deficit for his team. Still in the race, therefore, the Blues leave the ball to the opponent. With, obviously, an idea in mind: to offer the most vertical game possible and to try as soon as they can, which gives rise to several hot situations in their favor. Thus, Havertz hits the post half an hour into the game and his achievement scored ten minutes later is disallowed for offside by the setter Sterling. The latter, and while Félix wastes a new opportunity in front of Meyer, finally opens the score in power shortly before the break by eliminating Reus on the action.

1-0, here are the English returned to equality. Back from the locker room, same story: the British accelerated, and… obtained a penalty sanctioning a hand from Wolf, whom Havertz sent again on the upright. Except that this peno is finally to be removed, and the center-forward sticks it this time at the bottom. That’s it, Potter’s band is now in front and in a qualified position. Gallagher even signs the break, canceled for a new offside from Sterling. However, opposite, the visitors have a terrible time getting real chances and time is running out… So much so that despite a few final scares, the locals keep their short lead and eliminate Borussia. Phew, their season is not over yet!

Any player encroaching in to the box before the ball is kicked can cause a retake. Those are the rules. Actually it looks like the Dortmund player pushed the Chelsea player into the box too. pic.twitter.com/pC43VMZ0pD

— Robin #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@Eurobin) March 7, 2023

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