Champions League: Resurgent Chelsea qualify for quarter-final
A goal in each half from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz was all Chelsea needed to progress on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline
The good times appears to be gradually returning to Chelsea after months of underwhelming performances under the tutelage of their English manager, Graham Potter.
On Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, the Blues romped to a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund to seal their place in the quarter final stage of the Champions League.
A goal in each half from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz was all Chelsea needed to progress on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline which effectively meant the end of the road for Dortmund.
Fresh from their lone goal victory over Leeds United in the league last weekend, Chelsea needed to do something they had not done all through 2023; score more than one goal to win a match.
And while Chelsea were in front in terms of ball possession and chances created, their opening goal didn't come until the 43rd and it was Sterling who delivered the crucial goal.
The goal by ex Liverpool and Man City forward made him the first English player to score 20 Champions League goals in home matches.
While Chelsea were happy to have canceled the deficit from the first leg inside the first 45 minutes, they knew they needed to do more in the second half.
Six minutes into the first half, the Blues won a penalty kick which was initially missed by Havertz but scored on the second take by the German.
In the night's other game, Benfica simply blew away Club Brugge to progress into the semi final.
The Portugese side won Tuesday's second leg fixture 5-1 having previously won the first leg 2-0.
Benfica progressed into the last eight with an amazing 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
