Chelsea manager Graham Potter savoured a landmark night as his side overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, defeating Borussia Dortmund in a dramatic clash. Under pressure after a challenging run of results and heavy summer spending, Potter will hope this commanding performance provides stability and renewed confidence at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues created numerous chances before Raheem Sterling finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, slotting past Dortmund goalkeeper Alexander Meyer after an earlier missed attempt. Chelsea’s decisive goal came controversially from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half. VAR had penalized Marius Wolf for handball from Ben Chilwell’s cross, prompting Dortmund protests. Kai Havertz initially hit the post with his spot-kick, but a re-take was ordered, and this time he converted, securing Chelsea’s place in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition.
