Raheem Sterling’s first-half goal and a contentious penalty by Kai Havertz helped Chelsea defeat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 overall on Tuesday, erasing a first-leg deficit. As a result, Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The 2021 champions Chelsea wasted opportunity after opportunity in the first half, with Germany’s Havertz hitting the post and the side netting, much like they had three weeks prior when Dortmund won 1-0 in Germany.
Joao Felix, a player on loan from Portugal, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly also came close, and Sterling saw shots blocked.
But, Sterling was assisted by Ben Chilwell, who crossed into the area in the 43rd minute for England.
Sterling’s second attempt, which he fired high into the goal after dodging Marco Reus with his initial attempt, brought the teams’ total goals scored to a tie.
“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.”
Early in the second half, a Chilwell cross struck defender Marius Wolf in the outstretched hand, and Dutch referee Danny Makkelie, who had been called to the VAR screen, awarded the penalty. To the visitors’ relief, Havertz, who replaced Jorginho as the penalty taker when he transferred to Arsenal in January, hit the keeper’s left-hand post.
After a brief break in play, VAR notified Makkelie that players from Dortmund had entered the area.
In the 53rd minute, Havertz retook the kick and shot the ball in the same direction, but this time it squeaked inside the post to give Chelsea the lead in the match.
“I don’t know what I was thinking (when it hit the post) but the referee let me retake the penalty,” Havertz said. “I was a bit nervous but I scored. I tried to wait and look at the keeper and the second one was a bit easier.”
It was Dortmund’s first loss after winning their previous ten games, and it gave Chelsea a boost. Under Graham Potter, Chelsea has struggled to find its form since the turn of the year, falling to 10th place in the Premier League and losing both of its domestic cup matches early.
As his team recognised the cheers, a beaming Potter punched the air and thanked the audience.
“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).”
