Kai Havertz’ second-half penalty was enough for Chelsea to complete a second-leg comeback against Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League round of sixteen.
Raheem Sterling had drawn the Blues level on aggregate late in the first half, and Havertz then put Chelsea ahead in the tie shortly after the break after an initial penalty miss was retaken due to encroachment. The victory is a vital one for Graham Potter, who had been feeling the pressure after a string of poor results.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 8/10
How important does that Kepa save early in the game from Marco Reus’ goal-bound free-kick look now? The Spaniard looked confident with the ball at his feet and helped control Chesea’s backline throughout the game. Another strong save later in the match to deny Marius Wolf ensured Chelsea kept their clean sheet and advanced to the next stage of the Champions League.
Wesley Fofana- 8/10
Another resolute defensive performance from Wesley Fofana, who is beginning to look like the real deal after struggling with injuries during the early stages of his Chelsea career. The Frenchman made three successful tackles and was composed as always on the ball. That’s two clean sheets in a row now that the 21-year-old has played a vital part in.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 8/10
Dominant – that is the only way to describe Koulibaly tonight. The experienced defender had perhaps his best performance in Chelsea blue since his debut against Tottenham. He won four ground duels, four aerial duels, and made six clearances. He was a brick wall at the back for Chelsea tonight.
Marc Cucurella- 8/10
Is this the Cucurella Chelsea coughed up big money for in the summer? After what has been a difficult start to his Blues career, the Spaniard produced what was easily his best performance for Chelsea so far. His link-up between attack and defense was brilliant, and he played a vital role in keeping a clean sheet. Certainly, a big performance to build on.
Reece James- 7/10
Whilst James struggled to get forward as much as he would have liked – certainly in the first half anyway, he still put in an important performance. The Englishman made a match topping five interceptions. When he did manage to get forward later in the game, he looked like a consistent threat.
Ben Chilwell- 9/10
Simply put, a game-winning performance today from Ben Chilwell. The left-back got a crucial assist when his perfect pass to Raheem Sterling resulted in Chelsea taking the lead on the night. He then ensured Chelsea maintained that lead before half-time with a vital last-ditch tackle. It was Chilwell’s cross that struck the arm of Wolf to earn Chelsea the penalty to take the lead, and he then made a goal-stopping block to keep the Blue’s advantage at two goals. A stunning performance from the Englishman.
Enzo Fernández- 7/10
A really solid midfield performance from the Argentine today. Alongside Mateo Kovačić, he managed the threat of Jude Bellingham well. He made three successful tackles before he was substituted late in the game.
Mateo Kovačić- 7/10
Chelsea’s captain on the night, and it was a big performance from the Croatian. Kovačić made the most successful tackles out of any player on the pitch with four and made three successful dribbles. Another player who was brought off late in the game, with the Stamford Bridge crowd showing their appreciation.
João Félix- 6/10
A lively start to the game saw Félix test Alexander Meyer with only six minutes played. From there the Portuguese forward showed some good dribbling and a real desire to win the ball back, making eight recoveries. He did fade out of the game as time went on however, and he was removed after Chelsea were two up midway through the second half.
Kai Havertz- 8.5/10
He may count himself slightly fortunate, but it is fair to say Kai Havertz earned his luck with a brilliant performance in tonight’s game. The German was given two chances from the penalty spot after his first effort struck the post, as the referee ruled that Dortmund players had encroached on the area during his run-up.
He calmly slotted the second chance away to send Chelsea through to the last eight of the Champions League. His link-up play today was very impressive and he played a vital role in Chelsea’s first goal, playing a perfect backheel to keep an attack alive. He was inches away from opening the scoring early in the game when his shot struck the post and spun just wide of the goal.
Raheem Sterling- 7/10
No doubt Sterling’s biggest goal in his Chelsea career so far. The 28-year-old may have mistimed his first shot from Chilwell’s cross, but after managing to recover, he expertly smashed the ball over the onrushing Meyer to put Chelsea 1-0 up on the night, and draw them level on aggregate.
Subs :
Connor Gallagher- 7/10
Gallagher did an excellent job in reinforcing Chelsea’s midfield when he was brought onto the pitch. The young midfielder looked lively as ever and made three successful tackles in the short period he was in the game. An important substitute performance.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- N/A
Christian Pulisic- N/A
Denis Zakaria- N/A
Graham Potter- 9/10
What a day for Chelsea and what a day for Graham Potter. A huge Champions League result may be the start of a turnaround in fortune for the English coach. It was great to see a normally passive manager so passionate. Dortmund had won every game they played since the World Cup before tonight, and Potter set up his side to not only beat them, but win by two goals and keep a clean sheet. A potential job saving victory.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
