“He never stops working. He is always searching for ways to be better and to score. Tomorrow he will score” said Chelsea forward Joao Felix about his teammate Kai Havertz on Monday. And he was right. The German forward finally scored against Dortmund, and his penalty goal from the second attempt was the key for Chelsea’s 2-0 win and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Blues finally won in the Premier League against relegation strugglers 1-0 and tonight they continued their mini winning streak in a much more important game. They were better team altogether and deserved to win, while Dortmund tasted their first defeat in all competition since the beginning of 2023.Encroachment from the Dortmund players which caused the penalty re-take #CHEBVB pic.twitter.com/oAMEXZjjDT— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 7, 2023 In an exciting and interesting game, the Germans can only blame themselves for this loss. They started the match with over 70% of possession and then without any apparent reason allowed the hosts to take over. Then, after conceding the first goal after a mix-up in defense, they were guilty of the penalty in the second half. Kai Havertz could have become the main tragedian when he hit the bar, but again Dortmund players were there to make a mistake. As many as four players made an encroachment while Havertz was taking the penalty so the referee ordered another penalty. This time, former Leverkusen player was precise and Dortmund players never recovered.5 – Chelsea have now progressed from five UEFA Champions League knockout stage ties after losing the first leg, the joint-most of any team in the competition’s history (Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid also five). Comeback. #UCL pic.twitter.com/Nw728DPBaC— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 7, 2023 Borussia players had three good chances throughout the match, but the bar after Reus’ free kick and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s two saves were too much for them. They lost their first match in 2023 in a worst possible game. BVB had to play much better in order not to lose in London. On the other side, Graham Potter was on the verge of a sack, if he failed to win against Leeds and Borussia. And he won in both matches, and has a lot of breathing space now. Dortmund have scored 24 goals in their last nine Bundesliga games, finding the net at least twice in eight of those. Chelsea have scored only five goals in their last 12 matches and have failed to find the net in 10 of their last 16 matches, but it all changed tonight. Dortmund have scored 24 goals in their last nine Bundesliga games, finding the net at least twice in eight of those. Chelsea have scored only five goals in their last 12 matches and have failed to find the net in 10 of their last 16 matches, but it all changed tonight. The Blues started the game badly, and Dortmund even had 70% of possession at the beginning, but as the game went on, Chelsea found their rhythm and eventually scored through the experienced Raheem Sterling. Reus’s free kick was the only chance for Dortmund in the first half. And then VAR intervened in the 49th minute, and the referee pointed to the spot, after Wolf’s hand was outstretched but he’s not even looked at the ball. The penalty looked a little harsh, but was given and then Borussia players came early to the penalty area so Havertz became a hero instead of a villain. Before and after the second goal, Chelsea had a chance to score, as two goals were ruled for offside and Koulibaly missed a sitter, while poor Bellingham had a huge opportunity for an extra time in the 86th minute, but missed it. And while Chelsea spent huge amounts of money in the last two transfer windows on various parts of the line, but didn’t address the striker position, Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos continues to prove that he will be better than his former colleague Darwin Nunez. The striker scored a brace and sent his team to the quarterfinals of the Champions League in a convincing 5-1 win over Club Brugge. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE1/8 finals – 2nd legTuesdayBenfica – Club Brugge 5-1 (2-0)/Rafa Silva 38, Ramos 45, 57, Joao Mario 71(p), Neres 77 – Mejier 87/Chelsea – Dortmund 2-0 (1-0)/Sterling 43, Havertz (p) 53/Wednesday23:00: (2.05) Tottenham (3.50) Milan (3.90)23:00: (1.90) Bayern (4.30) PSG (3.75)14.03. Tuesday23:00: (2.80) Porto (3.15) Inter (2.65)23:00: (1.45) Man.City (4.60) RB Leipzig (8.50)15.03. Wednesday23:00: (2.35) Real Madrid (3.50) Liverpool (3.15)23:00: (1.57) Napoli (4.10) Eintr.Frankfurt (6.75)***odds are subject to change***
