In front of co-owner Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz scored twice and converted a penalty to give his team a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. During such a difficult campaign, this relieved pressure on Potter, resulting in celebrations inside the stadium.
This could be a turning point for Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who is under fire.
Prior to the game against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, he was unsure of his future. He can now anticipate the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
In front of co-owner Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz scored twice and converted a penalty to give his team a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. During such a difficult campaign, this relieved pressure on Potter, resulting in celebrations inside the stadium.
Chelsea prevailed 2-1 overall after trailing 1-0 in the round-of-16 first leg in Dortmund last month. “We have gone through a difficult period, and this competition means a lot for us,” Potter stated. To get ready for the coming weeks, we needed to make it to the final eight.
Potter’s most significant early victory had, without a doubt, advantages.
His team displayed character by scoring two goals in the second leg for the first time since 2023. Chelsea scored a 1-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday, their first consecutive victory since October.
That night, Potter’s fortune may have also changed. Video assistant referees (VAR) played a significant role in the Havertz goal after Raheem Sterling gave the European champions of 2021 the lead in the 43rd minute.
After the officials awarded Danny Makkelie a penalty kick for Marius Wolf’s handball, Danny Makkelie was instructed to inspect it once more. When Havertz moved forward, Alexander Meyer’s shot went off course, but it hit the post again and was cleared.
As Dortmund celebrated, the video assistant referee (VAR) saw an intruder in the box and ordered a second kick. Meyer scored in the 53rd minute to give Chelsea the lead after Havertz made the same move and sent Meyer in the opposite direction once more.
He stated, “I don’t know what I was thinking,” and added, “The referee allowed me to retake the penalty.” I won despite my nervousness. The next one was a little clearer, so I tried to stop and look at the chief.
Potter admitted that he couldn’t see the second penalty.
His only two victories in 12 games had cast doubt on his future, and if he had been eliminated from the Champions League, his position would have been further scrutinized. Chelsea had rediscovered that winning feeling just in time for the most important night of his early reign.
The west London club’s six-game losing streak was ended by Saturday’s victory over Leeds, but the manager was still under a lot of pressure because the season has been falling apart since October.
The Bosses Association discusses Chelsea’s final shot at a trophy and whether the double-crossing European champions, who are currently ranked tenth in the Head Association, will once again serve as the main course.
Dortmund had won 10 straight games in all competitions, including the 1-0 victory in the first leg. The German team also includes England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is one of soccer’s most sought-after players. However, they suffered an early setback when key player Julian Brandt was injured and left the game after just five minutes.
Real received a cross from Ben Chilwell, and two minutes before halftime, Authentic attempted once more to pass the ball past Dortmund goalkeeper Meyer to give Chelsea the lead. Chelsea took the lead after continuing to dominate the half.
Havertz, whose goal against Manchester City in the Champions League final two years ago gave Chelsea the title by one goal, hit the post in the first half and had another attempt disallowed for offside.
He thought he had missed another chance when he missed his first penalty against the post before VAR intervened. “The last two weeks were hard, we lost a lot of games,” Havertz stated. Tonight was important. This is the most recent trophy we have received from a major tournament. We demonstrated perseverance and character.
Edin Terzic, the coach of Dortmund, is of the opinion that the authority should not be ignored, despite the fact that Bellingham considered the new punishment to be a “joke.” “I wish you luck, Chelsea!” Congratulations!” He yelled as well. Despite the games being close, neither team deserved to win.
In the other match of the night, Benfica defeated Club Brugge 5-1 to reach the quarterfinals 7-1.