Chelsea Beats Dortmund 2-0 To Reach Champions League Quarters

By: Gyang Dakwo

Chelsea reached the Champions League quarter-finals as a first-half goal from Raheem Sterling and a controversial penalty by Kai Havertz overturned a first-leg deficit on Tuesday and propelled them to a 2-1 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund.

Just as they had in Germany three weeks ago when Dortmund won 1-0, 2021 champions Chelsea squandered chance after chance in the first half, with Germany’s Havertz hitting the post as well as the side netting.

“It was a massive performance,” Sterling told BT Sport. “We had to dig deep. We took our chances. We felt as a team we could do it. “I had a little mis-kick with the first touch but it landed perfectly and allowed us to build on that for our performance.”

It was Dortmund’s first defeat following wins in their previous 10 matches and a boost for Chelsea, who have struggled for form under Graham Potter since the turn of the year, dropping to 10th place in the Premier League and losing early in their two domestic cups.

A smiling Potter punched the air and applauded the crowd as his team acknowledged the cheers.

“There was a fantastic feeling in the dressing room,” he said. “We have been through a tough period and this competition means a lot for us. We wanted to progress and get into the last eight and it sets us up for the next few weeks.”

He said he had confidence in Havertz to score but was too nervous to watch.

“I wasn’t watching it but delighted when I heard the roar.

“Taking penalties is not for me, so I am in awe of anybody (who does).”