The Blues produced a display Frank Lampard, John Terry & co. would've been proud of to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition
Chelsea drew on the spirit of some of their past European triumphs on Tuesday, showing impressive grit to overturn a one-goal aggregate deficit to win 2-0 and send Borussia Dortmund packing from the Champions League last 16.
The contrast in the two sides' form ahead of the return leg could hardly have been more stark; Dortmund have won every match they've played in 2023, while Chelsea's narrow weekend victory over Leeds was their first in seven games.
However, Chelsea upset the form book and were on the front foot from the first whistle.
Kai Havertz was the hero as he delivered another big-game performance for the Blues. Having been denied by the goalkeeper and the woodwork, he netted the decisive goal from a retaken penalty for handball early in the second half – keeping his cool having missed his initial effort as a VAR review for encroachment saved his blushes.
The German played a key role in the opener, too, expertly executing a wicked flick in the build-up before Raheem Sterling lashed into the roof of the net at the second time of asking shortly before the interval.
Despite their sensational winning form, Dortmund had very few efforts of note. Marco Reus' first-half free-kick forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a good save, while Jude Bellingham's shooting boots were missing and he fired wide on two occasions.
Against all odds, its is Graham Potter's Chelsea side who will take their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the manager coming through two crucial games with flying colours.
Here are GOAL's winners and losers from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesWINNER: Graham Potter
There is no underestimating just how big this result is for Potter.
It had been rumoured that his job would be on the line if his side failed to beat Leeds on Saturday and exited the Champions League three days later.
Lo and behold, Potter has come through this most testing of spells with flying colours – and you could see he enjoyed it too, as he allowed his usually calm demeanour to slip, rallying the Chelsea fans and celebrating with the Shed End at full-time.
Potter is back in business.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Salih Ozcan
A costly, costly error from the midfielder, and one that likely would have gone unseen by many both in the stadium and watching at home.
As Havertz's initial penalty cannoned off the post, it was Ozcan who was on hand to clear the ball away. Seemingly excellent work, and a big let off for the visitors.
But his luck was out. A VAR review for encroachment clocked the Dortmund man was inside the 'D' as Havertz stepped up to the ball, and therefore directly affected play after the penalty miss.
It proved to be a decisive misjudgement for his side.
GettyWINNER: Kai Havertz
It would have been truly remarkable if Havertz had failed to score a goal in this game.
In the first half alone he was denied one-on-one by the goalkeeper, hit the post and had a fine finish chalked off for an offside in the lead-up.
However, his wasn't the typical goal-shy, frustrating performance Chelsea fans have become accustomed to from him of late.
Havertz's all-round game was exceptional, as he showed the kind of deft footwork and hold up play that make him such an impressive centre-forward. His sublime flick in the build-up to Sterling's opener was evidence of that.
He worked tirelessly, and earned his reward from the penalty spot as the VAR gods shone on him and have him a reprieve after his first attempt hit the post.
Another big-game Champions League performance from Chelsea's mercurial frontman.
Getty ImagesLOSER: Jude Bellingham
Bellingham would have been absolutely desperate to make an impression in what could have been a rehearsal for a future transfer to Stamford Bridge, but ultimately he came up short and almost let his emotions get the better of him.
Although he was typically silky and industrious on the ball, the English prodigy missed two gilt-edged chances to haul Dortmund back into proceedings – first side-footing wide from close-range and then nodding the ball onto the roof of the net late on.
He cut a frustrated figure as the clock ticked down, regularly getting into skirmishes with his opponents and earned a late yellow card for his troubles. His temper boiled over after the full-time whistle and he even had to be restrained.
A mightily frustrating night, but he'll be back.