Graham Potter and his Chelsea team prevailed over Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 over two legs, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
The Premier League team needed to win the second leg to keep Potter at the club after losing to them 1-0 in Germany. Under Potter’s direction, the team put on their best performance yet against a well-coached Dortmund team to ensure their passage to the next round.
The home team eventually scored with a goal from Raheem Sterling just before halftime, despite missing several chances. Kai Havertz converted a penalty to make the score 2-0 shortly after the break.
The visitors tried their hardest to score to send the game into extra time, but they never even came close. The Blues successfully upheld their lead and prevented every attempt by their rivals.
“It was an enormous performance. We needed to go deep. We tried our luck. After the final whistle, Sterling spoke with BT Sport.
In the end, there is a lot of emotion. Chelsea manager Potter added, “I am delighted for them to get the win and great for everyone here.”
The dressing room exuded a wonderful atmosphere. We have been through a difficult time, and this competition is very important to us. We wanted to advance and reach the final eight, which prepares us for the coming weeks.
Six of the most fascinating statistics from the night’s action are presented here.
1. Chelsea’s two goals
Chelsea manages for the Champions League quarterfinals by scoring two goals in a single game for the first time this year. They did not do so in 2022, on December 12th.
2. Potter Champions League record
Potter currently holds the record for most victories in the Champions League among English managers, with (5). Only Sir Bobby Robson has more victories (12) than Potter.
Additionally, only Potter and Harry Redknapp are the only English managers to have won a knockout match during the Champions League era.
3. Sterling’s goal
The fact that he became the first English player to score 20 goals in the Champions League on home soil was a significant accomplishment.
It is important to note that, despite Raheem Sterling’s impressive 27 goals in the competition, he still lags behind Wayne Rooney.
4. Kai Havertz record for goals in the Champions League
knockout stages Since joining the Blues in 2020, Havertz has scored the most goals (4 total) for the Blues in the Champions League knockout stages of any player. Havertz also scored his first goal in nine attempts against Borussia Dortmund in this game.
5. Kepa’s many clean sheets
Despite playing six fewer matches for Chelsea than Thibaut Courtois, Kepa now has as many clean sheets for the club as Courtois.
Given that the Spanish goalkeeper didn’t have a great start at the Bridge, this is quite an accomplishment.
6. The defeat of Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund had won all ten of their 2023 matches in all competitions prior to this second leg.
In addition, the Bundesliga team has only won one of their last nine games against English opponents, and that victory came in the first leg of this match.