Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, marking their best win under the leadership of Graham Potter. After losing 1-0 in the first leg in Germany, Chelsea needed a special performance to progress to the next round. Here are five reasons why they won and one potential problem they may face in the next round.
1. Havertz’s Performance
Kai Havertz played with intelligence and skill as the front man, holding up the ball despite Dortmund’s physical approach. He was the focal point of Chelsea’s attacks and played a crucial role in securing their victory.
2. Cucurella’s Contribution
Marc Cucurella has been a disappointment since his £65million move from Brighton, but he delivered when it mattered most. He produced his best game in a blue shirt playing at left centre back and was named Man of the Match.
3. Midfield Dominance
Enzo Fernandez and Matteo Kovacic formed a formidable partnership in the centre of midfield, limiting Dortmund’s attacking power and shutting down England World Cup star Jude Bellingham.
4. Chilwell’s Threat
Ben Chilwell was a constant threat from Chelsea’s left wing-back position, combining seamlessly with Cucurella and causing problems for Dortmund’s defence.
5. Kepa’s Saves
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made three important saves to keep Chelsea alive, opting for long balls to the forwards rather than passing it around at the back.
However, there is one potential problem for Chelsea in the next round. Raheem Sterling scored the all-important first goal but had an overall poor game, especially in the first half. He was offside multiple times and failed to link well with right wing-back Reece James. This is something that Potter will need to work on in training this week to ensure that Chelsea can continue their impressive form in the competition.
In conclusion, Chelsea delivered a memorable performance to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Havertz, Cucurella, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell, and Kepa were all key players in their victory, but Sterling’s poor performance highlights a potential area for improvement. Nevertheless, Chelsea will be confident heading into the next round and will hope to continue their impressive form in the competition.