Dortmund Victory: A much-needed turning point for Chelsea

Chelsea defeated Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The victory came at a very crucial time for Chelsea and Head coach Graham potter as they struggle to maintain a string fitting this season.

Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to move to the Champions League quarterfinals and ease some pressure on head coach Graham Potter. In an effort to overturn a 1-0 lead from the first leg three weeks earlier in Germany, Chelsea got off to a fast start. But they were forced to wait for Raheem Sterling’s goal in the 43rd minute to end the tie.

Kai Havertz successfully converted his penalty in the second attempt in the 53rd minute to secure a 2-1 victory overall. Referee Danny Makkelle was ordered to the monitor by VAR representative Pol Van Boekel to review a handball by Marius Wolf, and the spot kick was then given. Havertz’s initial shot hit the post, but VAR determined that several Dortmund players had entered the box illegally. Havertz then scored on the retake.

As a late replacement, Christian Pulisic made his first Chelsea appearance since January 5. Chelsea managed to hold on to a crucial victory that allowed them to advance to the semifinals of Europe’s top club competition for the second straight year. Despite having a challenging first half, Raheem Sterling persevered and gave the home team the lead two minutes before halftime. Havertz needed two attempts, but he eventually scored after his initial attempt struck the post, and numerous Dortmund players encroached into the penalty area.

Potter was still under a lot of pressure coming into Tuesday’s game against Borussia Dortmund despite Chelsea defeating Leeds United last weekend by a solitary, unanswered goal. The owner’s recent significant investment in the team, which totals over £600 million, necessitates a more significant immediate return than the Blues have already managed. An early Champions League exit would have strengthened Potter’s critics’ argument that the 47-year-old might not be capable.

Potter was clearly more passionate in this encounter on the touchline, often trying to stir the crowd and reacting to referee decisions with more energy than usual. The most important moment may have been when Havertz attempted to score his second-chance penalty in the 53rd minute. Potter was unable to do anything but sit and watch. This must be Potter’s most outstanding performance since taking over for Thomas Tuchel in September, despite the fact that it was occasionally difficult.

Potter will have a solid accomplishment to boast about in the chance of reaching a Champions League quarterfinal next month if the domestic failures continue. He will, though, be optimistic that the first consecutive victories since October will prove to be the much-needed turning point.

Under Potter, Chelsea’s primary problem has been scoring goals. They constantly created opportunities, such as when Havertz hit the post or when they had the ball in the net with a spectacular finish only to have the offside flag raised, but they failed to take advantage of them. Another incredibly terrible evening seems imminent. 

Unexpectedly, Chelsea has not surpassed one goal per game since December 27. It was just what they had to do to move forward. Joao Felix and Havertz in particular might help Chelsea overcome what had certainly, at least in part, turned into a psychological issue in front of the goal with strong performances.