Reactions as Chelsea progress to Champions League quarter-finals after comeback win against Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea hosted Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, March 7, in their second leg round of 16 tie.
The Blues were hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit following their loss in the first-leg at the Signal Iduna Park.
Chelsea started the brighter of the two teams, creating chances in the opening 10 minutes.
Joao Felix’s effort from a darting run into the box was saved by Alexander Meyer in the 6th minute before Kia Havertz blazed an effort wide two minutes later.
However, the visitors wholly grew into the contest and had a chance to open the scoring at the Bridge in the 17th minute, after they were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position.
But Dortmund skipper Marco Reus saw his brilliant curling effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga to prevent the Blues from going behind early in the game.
Superman Kepa! 🕺
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 7, 2023
Top save by Kepa to keep Chelsea in this still 👇#UCL pic.twitter.com/bBFhSikpUl
Chelsea had another great chance to open the scoring in the 26th minute after Kai Havertz saw his shot in the 18-year-box come off the right post in what was a close shave for the visitors.
The Blues thought they had finally opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Havertz curled an effort into the back of the net.
But the German’s effort was ultimately ruled out for offside as Dortmund survived another scare.
A minute later, Joao Felix saw his effort saved after latching on to a loose ball in the box from a Chelsea freekick as the Blues kept piling the pressure.
Graham Potter’s men finally saw their effort pay off in the 44th minute after a beautiful passage of play from the hosts was finished off brilliantly by Raheem Sterling to put Chelsea 1-0 up.
Dortmund were forced to go into the break trailing with all still to play for in the second half.
Todd Boehly celebrates Sterling's goal as Chelsea level the tie 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/SRIvMf3OSj
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 7, 2023
Second Half
Chelsea picked up where they left off in the first period and won themselves a penalty, a minute after the restart after Marius Wolf was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box by VAR.
Kia Havertz stepped up to take the penalty in the 53rd minute and initially missed, before eventually firing home after a re-take following an encroaxhment from Borussia Dortmund players on the first occasion.
EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING 👀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 7, 2023
Ref consults VAR for potential handball 📺
Kai Havertz misses penalty off the post ❌
Penalty retaken because of encroachment 🧐
Same technique, same side and Kai Havertz has converted from the spot at the second time of asking!#UCL pic.twitter.com/JrS6acWjzU
Dortmund fought to come back into the game but the quality between both sides proved to be the difference as the visitors looked no real match for the hosts.’
Chelsea thought they had stretched their lead to three after Conor Gallagher tucked home in the 76th minute, only to see his effort rightly flagged for offside.
Dortmund pressed for a goal in the closing stages but saw their attacks repelled by the Blues' defence.
Bellingham came close to giving the visitors a late lifeline in the 88th minute but failed to keep his header on target.
And after six minutes of added time at Stamford Bridge, Graham Potter’s men recorded a 2-1 comeback win against Edin Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund to progress to the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Chelsea reach the quarter-finals! 👏👏👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/ZXicNNANsH
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 7, 2023
Social Media Reactions as Chelsea knock Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League
Following the impressive comeback win for Grahm Potter and the Blues, fans have singled out one player for praise after the victory.
Here's what's buzzin:
Cucu and Chilwell last 10 mins fighting like true warriors tears in my eyes
— - (@MauricioPanini) March 7, 2023
This defence omg. Chilwell, Cucurella, Koulibaly, Fofana, Reece, take a bow👏
— Raf (@CFCRaf2) March 7, 2023
Ben Chilwell appreciation tweet 😮💨🔵 pic.twitter.com/nsxaO3VSt7
— Blue Mayor 💙🏆 (@Ayowa9) March 7, 2023
Ben Chilwell was incredible tonight. pic.twitter.com/ztYrKTlAnZ
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) March 7, 2023
Ben Chilwell 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/TfhbqdWo9t
— CFC Pics (@Mohxmmad) March 7, 2023
BEN CHILWELL SENSATIONAL.
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) March 7, 2023
Crucial for the goal & then a goal saving tackle minutes later. 👏🏻
When Chelsea have Ben Chilwell on one side and Reece James on the other.
— 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 (@isuccess_) March 7, 2023
It’s game over! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Gvq8AuTcuj
Ben Chilwell apperication tweet, easily the best Left Back in the world. pic.twitter.com/Ej306sHHPU
— CM🌴 (@clinicalmount_) March 7, 2023
What performance from Chilwell! Gets a lot unnecessary hate. Has his injuries but on form, this guy is soo vital to our left hand side. pic.twitter.com/kfLkvXvbcs
— 𝐂𝐅𝐂𝐅𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦 (@CFCfahim) March 7, 2023
I've had my doubts about Chilwell in the past but this guy is proper Chels the game he had today will go in history iconic. pic.twitter.com/f2vehS9pTZ
— Jacomps (@Jacomps1) March 7, 2023