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      Chelsea fans split on what Graham Potter did during Kai Havertz’s retaken penalty against Dortmund

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      CHELSEA fans were totally divided on what Graham Potter did during Kai Havertz’s retaken penalty.The Blues forward saw his initial spot-kick thump back off the base of the post before being cleared away.
      Graham Potter watched Kai Havertz’s first penalty hit the postCredit: BT Sport
      He looked down for the retaken effortCredit: BT Sport
      Havertz rolled his retaken effort into the bottom cornerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      However, VAR ordered it to be retaken due to encroaching by the Borussia Dortmund players.
      And the German, 23, coolly chose the same technique to slide into the bottom corner and put Chelsea in front on aggregate.
      But his manager Potter could not watch and instead looked down at the floor.
      The Englishman, 47, told BT Sport: “After the first one I thought I’ll sit down now and listen to the crowd and thankfully the noise was there.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 time’s a charm!Havertz gets given another shot from the spot and finishes to put Chelsea 2-1 in the lead! 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/vmMzJO8OyM— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 7, 2023

      “I didn’t know a massive amount, I knew they had encroached and my assistant is better with the rules than me.
      “It was him or Reece, sometimes you have to let the lads on the pitch sort it, we’ve got confidence in Kai.
      “I was delighted when I heard the roar, even though I wasn’t watching.
      “I’m in awe of anyone who can take penalties, it wasn’t for me.”
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      Some fans criticised the ex-Brighton chief, accusing him of weak mentality.
      One said: “Potter ain’t made out for that club, the guy couldn’t even watch – soft manager.”
      Another wrote: “Potter what a p**** he no fit watch the penalty – get this guy out of the club.”
      A third added: “Why didn’t Potter watch the penalty, this guy man😭😭”
      And a fourth replied: “Graham Potter can’t even bare to watch the penalty – what a chump.”

      But others praised Potter and suggested his behaviour proves just how much he cares, especially given the mounting pressure amid the poor run of form.
      One said: “Graham Potter couldn’t even bring himself to watch Havertz’s penalty if nothing else that shows you Chelsea results matter to him.”
      Another wrote: “Potter couldn’t watch the penalty! For all his faults just goes to show he does care!!”
      And an excited third commented: “Potter couldn’t watch because he was that nervous, proper Chels. Give this man another five-year deal and give him a statue
      “Masterclass is happening right in our very eyes, the turtle neck has yet again done magic.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Potter was soon celebrating, though, as Havertz stuck in what proved to be the winning goal in the last-16 tie.
      And he was absolutely delighted as he congratulated his players and applauded the fans after the full-time whistle as the major win secured Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals.
      Potter let the emotion out after full-timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The under-pressure Chelsea manager booked a quarter-final spotCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Scott Parker ‘on brink of SACK’ after Club Brugge’s humiliating Champions League exit with new manager already lined up

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      SCOTT PARKER is reportedly on the verge of being sacked after Club Brugge were knocked out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion.The Englishman, 42, only took over at the Belgian giants in December last year.
      Scott Parker is allegedly on the verge of being sacked by Club BruggeCredit: Reuters
      However, his bid to get his managerial career back on track has not gone to plan so far.
      Parker has taken charge of 12 games, winning just two and drawing six but his short stint hit a new low on Tuesday.
      Club Brugge were hammered 5-1 at Benfica to result in a 7-1 aggregate thrashing in the Champions League last-16.
      It was Brugge’s biggest margin of defeat (1-7) on aggregate ever in European knockout football (excluding qualifiers) while it was the first time that they had conceded five or more away from home in the Champions League since a 6-1 defeat to Monaco in November 1988.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Now Belgian news outlet Nieuwsblad are claiming that Alfred Schreuder, who left last season to join Ajax but was sacked by the Dutch side in January, is ready to replace him.
      Supporters had little sympathy for their boss, who recently saw star winger Noa Lang launch an X-rated rant at his teammates in the players’ tunnel after a frustrating draw.
      One wrote: “Scott Parker getting sacked tomorrow.”
      Another tweeted: “Scott Parker must be sacked by Club Brugge.”
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      A fellow fan commented: “Scott Parker is going in the morning.”
      Another asked: “When do they put Parker on the ferry to his island, tonight or tomorrow morning?”
      While another added: “Scott Parker should just stick to modelling cardigans for M&S clothing cus management ain’t for him.”
      Club Brugge find themselves fourth in the Belgian top flight after 28 games.
      Parker’s men trail league leaders Genk by a whopping 20 points.
      He led Bournemouth to Premier League promotion last season.
      However, despite that success, he was sacked by the Cherries just four games into the top-flight campaign after a 9-0 hammering at Liverpool.
      His first job in management was at Fulham in 2019 and he led them to Premier League promotion in 2020 via the play-offs.
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      He quit Craven Cottage a year later for Bournemouth, and he guided them to automatic promotion during his first season at the helm.
      Parker represented Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham during his playing days.
      Alfred Schreuder is allegedly already set to replace him and return to the clubCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Ben Chilwell is superb against Dortmund but Enzo Fernandez kept quiet by Jude Bellingham

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      CHELSEA delivered their best performance since the World Cup to come from behind against Borussia Dortmund and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz netted either side of the break to ease the pressure on boss Graham Potter.
      Left-back Ben Chilwell was a crucial outlet for Graham Potter’s menCredit: Getty
      Enzo Fernandez tangles with Dortmund counterpart Marco Reus but had a mixed night as Chelsea edged throughCredit: EPA
      After Chelsea spurned a number of first half chances, Sterling finally fired them ahead just before the break – though he nearly messed that up too.
      Ben Chilwell broke down the left and cutback for Sterling, whose first attempt was an air shot.
      The England man recovered the ball, lifted the ball past Marco Reus and blasted home his first goal since New Year’s Day.
      The Blues made a flying start to the second half when, after a sharp break saw Chilwell given the room to cross, his ball struck the arm of Marius Wolf.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      After a VAR review ref Danyy Makkelie pointed the spot.
      Havertz sent his first effort against the post.
      But after the spot kick was ordered to be retaken due to encroachment, the German finally ended his seven-game goal drought to double the lead – slotting into the corner he was aiming for the first time around.
      Here’s how the Blues rated on a night when nerves were shredded – and not just for under-fire boss Graham Potter.
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      Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
      The Blues keeper didn’t have too much to do throughout the 90 minutes but was sharp and alert when called upon.
      Made a flying save from a Marco Reus free-kick in the first half before getting down well to deny Wolf just after the hour mark.
      Wesley Fofana – 7
      Calm at the back and looking comfortable at Champions League level.
      The summer signing kept Sebastien Haller quiet on his return to London and did well up against the tricky Jamie Bynoe-Gittens once he was sent on.
      Kalidou Koulobaly – 7
      Held the back three together throughout from the central role, with Dortmund reduced to few chances due to the defence he was conducting.
      Has struggled since his move from Napoli but proved a fine understudy for the injured Thiago Silva here.
      Marc Cucurella – 8
      Set the tone early on with a strong challenge to win the ball in Dortmund’s half.
      The former Brighton man was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI but repaid Potter’s faith with strong showing on the left of a back three.
      Reece James – 7
      Rained crosses into the Borussia Dortmund box throughout the first half and proved a constant threat down the right.
      James was solid at the back too and both he and Chilwell are transformative for Potter and Chelsea, especially when deployed as wing-backs.
      Mateo Kovacic – 7
      A more aggressive and combative presence alongside Fernandez. Worked hard to try and break up Dortmund’s play throughout and tried a flash volley from the edge of the area but saw it sail over.
      Enzo Fernandez – 6
      A rather quiet evening from the club record signing as he looked to get to grips with England star Jude Bellingham.
      Just about managed his job with Bellingham reduced to a few flashes as Fernandez and Kovacic nipped at his heels.
      The Argentine grew in influence when he dropped a little deeper after Conor Gallagher was sent on to bolster the midfield
      Ben Chilwell – 9
      Superb work to break away and pick out Sterling for his goal and moments later he was back making a fine last-ditch challenge to deny the visitors and ensure Chelsea went in ahead.
      As dogged at the back as impressive going forward.
      Kai Havertz celebrates the dcisive penalty that put Chelsea 2-0 up on the night, 2-1 on aggregate, against visitors DortmundCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Raheem Sterling – 8
      Having seen a hat-trick of chances go to waste due to him being offside, Sterling showed good awareness to keep hold of the ball and craft another opening and find the back of the net having fluffed his first effort from Chilwell’s cross.
      Joao Felix – 7
      Linked well with both Sterling and Havertz and was at the heart of most attacking moves for the Blues.
      Felix played a stunning ball over the top to send Havertz through on goal in the first half but probably should have opened the scoring himself when sending an effort straight at a Dortmund defender from yards out.
      Kai Havertz – 8
      Had to keep plugging away to end his goal drought.
      The German was very unlucky not to open the scoring when his first half effort hit the inside of one post and bounced across the open goal and behind instead of in, before seeing a wonderful goal ruled out for offside against Raheem Sterling.
      Showed strong mentality to step up and take the second spot-kick.
      Substitutes
      Conor Gallagher (on for Felix, 67’) – 7
      Full of energy and aggression after being sent on to shore things up.The midfielder would have added a third goal after tapping in from Sterling’s square ball but the winger was just offside before playing the cross.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on for Kovacic, 82’) – 6
      Added a bit more muscle to the Chelsea midfield as Dortmund threw everything at them for a late goal to level the tie.
      Christian Pulisic (on for Sterling, 82’) – 6
      Offered pace to get away and ease the pressure late on but also chipped in to get back and defend against his former club.
      Denis Zakaria (on for Fernandez, 87’) – 6
      Wasted some time by being sent on and made a couple of crucial interventions to break Dortmund up late on.
      Joao Felix helped the Blues put their Prem woes to one side, linking well with Havertz and SterlingCredit: EPA

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      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund LIVE RESULT: Blues THROUGH to Champions League quarter-finals after Sterling and Havertz goals

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      CHELSEA are into the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the last-16.Raheem Sterling’s rocket just before half-time and a retaken Kai Havertz penalty gave the Blues a 2-0 win on the night, and a 2-1 victory on aggregate.
      Dortmund’s team bus had arrived LATE for the clash, and the game instead started at 8.10pm.

      Result: Chelsea 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (2-1 agg)
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella, James, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell; Sterling, Havertz, Felix
      Borussia Dortmund XI: Meyer, Wolf, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro, Can, Brandt, Bellingham, Ozcan, Reus, Haller

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      Farewell!
      That wraps up our coverage of Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund tonight.
      A monumental night for Graham Potter and his players. Perhaps they can kick on now, starting with Leicester this weekend.
      Chelsea were excellent tonight, perhaps the best so far in the Potter era.
      Sterling and Havertz with the goals on the night. Roll on the quarter-finals for the Blues.
      Goodnight.
      Credit: Getty
      Potter on Havertz’s penalty
      “I knew they had encroached. It was him or Reece,” he added.
      “Sometimes they have to feel it on the pitch. Obviously we have confidence in Kai. I wasn’t watching it but delighted when I heard the roar.
      “Taking penalties is not for me, so I am in awe of anybody [who does].”
      Potter speaks on huge win
      “There is a lot of emotion in the end. It was tense in the end but the boys played fantastic. I am delighted for them to get the win and great for everyone here,” he said.
      Credit: Getty
      Havertz speaks
      “I don’t know what I was thinking [when it hit the post] but the referee let me retake the penalty. I was a bit nervous but I scored,” he said.
      “I tried to wait and look at the keeper and the second one was a bit easier.
      “The last two weeks were hard, we lost a lot of games.
      “Tonight was important this is a big tournament and it’s the last trophy that we can win.
      “We showed character and that we want to keep going.”
      Raheem Sterling speaks
      “It was a massive performance,” Chelsea’s first goalscorer said.
      “We had to dig deep. We took our chances. We felt as a team we could do it.
      “I had a little mis-kick with the first touch but it landed perfectly and allowed us to build on that for our performance.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full-time stats
      Here’s how things looked by the end of the game. Those all-important two goals the difference.

      Chelsea have done it!
      What a huge win for Potter and his team.
      That’ll silence a few critics. Bellingham and Co go over to the Dortmund fans to give them the plaudits they deserve.
      Potter claps the Chelsea fans and gets applause back himself.
      Credit: AFP
      FULL-TIME: Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      Chelsea are THROUGH to the Champions League quarter-finals. What a huge effort from Potter’s men.
      Raheem Sterling’s first-half effort and Kai Havertz’s penalty were enough to get the job done.
      A massive turnaround in fortunes for Graham Potter over the last four days.
      Chelsea fans are in jubilant mood! Dortmund players collapse to the ground in inconsolable manner.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      90+6. The corner comes to nothing and Kepa has the ball in his hands!
      Chelsea are seconds away as Havertz tries to buy some time in Dortmund’s half.
      The Blues win a vital free-kick, much to the displeasure of Wolf, who stands over the fallen Chilwell.
      They’re nearly there now…
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      90+5. Dortmund launch the ball forward again and there’s a huge scramble as Chelsea look to get it away.
      A volley comes in and it’s deflected for a corner.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      90+4. Bellingham crosses this time but Kepa holds on and buys more crucial moments for Chelsea.
      They’re so close now, Potter can practically feel a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      90+2. Zakaria comes away with the ball and crosses for Havertz but it’s too far beyond the reach of the German.
      He tries to waste some time in the corner, the Dortmund players don’t like it, and some scuffles break out.
      Dortmund come again.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      90. Pulisic holds the ball up well on the counter-attack this time as Chelsea look to eat away at the previous seconds left.
      The board goes up…. and there will be SIX added minutes.
      Big few moments coming up for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Dortmund competes with Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Chelsea FC and Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge on March 7, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Fantasista/Getty Images)Credit: Getty
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      89. Dortmund continuing to put the pressure on. Reece James blocks a cross but the away side come again.
      It comes to Emre Can at the edge of the box and it’s crossed in but Bellingham’s header is over.
      Reprieve for the Blues.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      87. Enzo Fernandez OFF. Zakaria ON.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      87. Chelsea got the ball clear. Zakaria preparing to come on for the Blues now. Last few minutes now.
      Dortmund fan are getting louder and louder. The tension is becoming more unbearable for Chelsea fans with every passing second.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      85. Bellingham wants a foul in the middle after skipping past Gallagher but coming unstuck in Enzo’s wake.
      Chelsea fans then hold onto the ball after it goes out for a throw-in. Frustrating last few moments for the away side.
      But now they have another free-kick in a dangerous position.
      Third time lucky?
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      83. Yep, Sterling and Kovacic off for Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek.
      Huge last few minutes for Chelsea coming up here. Can Potter’s men hold on to their crucial lead?
      They’ve defended resolutely so far.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      81. Chelsea are making changes. It looks like Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic are coming on. Kovacic and Sterling could be the men coming off here.
      Dortmund still pressing for a huge goal.
      Credit: Getty
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      78. Haller comes off for Donyell Malen. Dortmund throwing anything they can at this last 12 minutes.
      And it’s free-kick on the edge of the box for the German side now… what can they muster from this?
      Yellow card for Enzo Fernandez.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      76. Chelsea have the ball in the net again! But again it’s offside.
      Sterling races through one-on-one, squares for Gallagher to tap into an empty net.
      But Sterling was offside the entire time.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      74. Sule shoots from distance this time for Dortmund but his effort whistles past Kepa’s post.
      Chelsea will take those long-range efforts all day… so long as one doesn’t end up in the top corner.
      The Blues have possession in midfield as they look to control the temp of these last 15 minutes.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      73. Chelsea win a corner down the right after a nice counter-attack.
      James comes over to receive some instructions from Potter, before heading back in for the corner.
      Chilwell takes the in-swinger and it’s cleared by Dortmund.
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      71. Dortmund still chasing that all-important goal but they’re yet to fashion any clear chances since Bellingham’s effort.
      Chelsea holding firm in their first third. This won’t be a fun for 20 minutes for these Blues fans at all.
      Credit: Reuters
      Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
      68. Joao Felix is coming OFF for Chelsea. He’s being replaced by Conor Gallagher.
      Potter looking to shore things up in the middle. He wants to hold on for the win.
      Load more entries… More

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      Chelsea 2 Dortmund 0: Sterling and Havertz fire Blues into Champions League quarters and ease pressure on Potter

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      WHAT had threatened to be the end of the road now promises to be the start of something good for Graham Potter. The Chelsea manager was transformed into an unlikely cheerleader on a night when the energy surged around Stamford Bridge and the Blues advanced into the Champions League quarter-finals. 
      Chelsea completed a stunning Champions League turnaround against Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      The Blues won 2-0 on the night for a 2-1 aggregate victoryCredit: Getty
      Chelsea now await the draw for the final eightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Potter might not have survived defeat by Borussia Dortmund, and he appeared determined to enjoy what could have been his first and last Champions League knock-out. 
      It was arguably the best performance of his six-month reign, and certainly the most convincing since the World Cup break, as Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz struck to defeat the Bundesliga form horses. 
      And this night felt like a potential game-changer for Potter, whose side had achieved only their second win in 12 matches against Leeds on Saturday. 
      There was something about the noise of the crowd, the zip of Chelsea’s play and the sight of Potter wheeling his arms to whip up the crowd in The Shed, that felt like an electrical circuit connecting and sparking into life. 
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Chelsea were bang at it – subtle skills at a high tempo and defensive steel when it was needed as well.
      It helps when Chelsea’s first-choice full-backs are fit and firing – and Ben Chilwell was particularly good here. 
      Sterling’s return from injury has been hugely beneficial too. The England winger hammered his first goal since New Year’s Day to level the tie before Havertz clinched it with a twice-taken penalty soon after half-time.
      Owner Todd Boehly had been determined to stick by the man he poached from Brighton in September but his patience had been running thin until this week.
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      Raheem Sterling put Chelsea ahead just before half-timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The goal came minutes after Dortmund fans threw a smoke canister at Ben ChilwellCredit: Reuters
      Now Potter has bought himself some time to edge his side up from mid-table and to relish some more European nights.  
      There was an unfamiliar buzz about the Bridge before kick-off – pyros, ultras, throngs around the team buses, which caused a ten-minute delay to kick-off
      The manager hadn’t seemed to know his best team, the strikers couldn’t score and the visitors had won 10 games in a row – but it was the Champions League and some struggling Chelsea teams had excelled here in the past. 
      Before kick-off, the boys in The Shed unfurled a huge banner showing a montage of Chelsea legends, with Potter’s European Cup-winning predecessor Thomas Tuchel prominent.
      Potter stuck with his 3-4-3 formation, though he made the surprise addition of Marc Cucurella to his starting line-up.
      Kai Havertz netted the second with a retaken penalty after missing his first effortCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The two goals turned the tie on its headCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And it was Cucurella who won possession high up the field and fed Sterling whose through-ball sent Joao Felix wriggling through, only for Alexander Meyer to save at his feet.
      Potter was unusually animated from the off – but from the corner Kalidou Koulibaly skewed his header wide.
      Soon, Jude Bellingham lost the ball, Felix lofted a delicious pass to release Havertz, whose shot clattered into the side-netting. 
      Potter had demanded a wall of noise and he was getting a decent response, although the travelling German fans were giving it plenty of oompah too.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action when he stretched to push wide a curling 25-yard free-kick from Marco Reus.
      Graham Potter was delighted as his side reached the next stageCredit: Rex
      It was a good night for Blues owner Todd BoehlyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Soon though, Havertz was desperately close to levelling the aggregate score.
      A Reece James centre was cleared to Chelsea’s German forward who whistled a shot against the inside the post. 
      Chelsea were playing some neat stuff – Havertz going through his Dimitar Berbatov routines, Felix playing with a feline grace, manipulating the ball like a kitten pawing at string.
      Havertz had the ball in the net with a lovely finish – but it was clear that Sterling, who’d had the initial shot from a gorgeous Felix pass, had been offside. 
      Dortmund were penned back now – Felix had a shot blocked, Chilwell sliced one wide, then the deserved breakthrough. 
      It was a strange build-up but an emphatic finish. Chilwell evaded a wild attempted body charge to square it for Sterling, who duffed his original attempt a shot, won a tackle, then laced it into the roof of the net.
      Dortmund fans tried creating a hostile atmosphere with flaresCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chelsea had the last laugh on a great night at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      The Bridge erupted. Potter went potty. Chelsea were level and absolutely in the ascendancy. 
      And straight after the restart, Chelsea had a penalty. Chilwell attempted a cross and full-back Marius Wolf handled as he turned away from the ball, a Wolf in sheep’s clothing. 
      Ref Danny Makkelie was sent to his monitor by the VAR and pointed to the spot.
      Havertz shuffled in his run-up and lamped his spot-kick at the upright but VAR came to Chelsea’s aid again, spotting encroachment by a couple of Dortmund players. 
      The Bridge was a bundle of nerves now, Potter averting his gaze but Havertz, a man ought to play in silk pyjamas and a smoking jacket, was as languid as you like, pinging it into the same corner he had just narrowly missed. 
      Havertz then started cheerleading the Matthew Harding Stand but Dortmund discovered some bite and verve. 
      Bellingham shot wide from close range when he really ought to have scored and Wolf whistled in a shot which Kepa was equal to. 
      This lot weren’t used to losing and they attacked with intent.
      Read More on The Sun
      On a Chelsea break, Sterling squared for sub Conor Gallagher to score but again Sterling was flagged offside.
      It didn’t matter. The hosts had done enough. Now Potter can breathe and Chelsea can dream.  More

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      Fans baffled by most bizarre stat ever as Clive Tyldesley somehow compares Chelsea goal drought to Kardashians

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      FANS were left totally baffled by Clive Tyldesley’s bizarre Chelsea stat… comparing the misfiring Blues to the Kardashians.The legendary commentator, 68, was on the mic for tonight’s crunch Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge.
      Clive Tyldesley reeled off the stat whilst sat next to Rob Green
      Clive Tyldesley made the incredible comparison to a Kim Kardashian mansionCredit: Getty
      Chelsea have struggled for goals in 2023Credit: Reuters

      Tyldesley chatted with Kate Abdo and co in the CBS studio.
      And sitting next to Rob Green in the gantry, one of the voices of football delivered the belting number-crunching golden nugget comparing Chelsea’s goal drought and spending to a “boring” Kim K mansion.
      Tyldesley said: “In 12 games since the turn of the year, Chelsea have scored five goals.
      “Since the turn of the year, Chelsea have spent $300million [£253m]. Five into $30m.
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      “I read somewhere that Kim Kardashian’s mansion in the Santa Monica hills is worth $60m.
      “Well, that’s a Kim Kardashian mansion for every goal that Chelsea have scored for the money they’ve spent.”
      Abdo simply replies: “Wow.”
      While fans on social media could not work out what to make of the novel piece of information.
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      One wrote: “What a stat.”
      And another said: “No way they just compared a Kardashian mansion to Chelsea…. what is this analysis.”
      The Blues splashed the cash to bring in Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto and record-signing Enzo Fernandez.
      But Graham Potter has barely been able to buy points, goals or wins in 2023 – only beating Crystal Palace and Leeds but losing six and drawing four before Dortmund headed to Stamford Bridge.
      Kai Havertz thought he had goal No6 for Chelsea in 2023 – only to hit the post and see another chalked off.
      Raheem Sterling, though, did eventually get it, blasting in to break the deadlock on the night and level the tie.
      And Havertz put the Blues in front on aggregate after converting his controversial retaken penalty. More

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      Chelsea fans all shout the same thing at Jude Bellingham as he arrives at Stamford Bridge for Champions League clash

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      CHELSEA fans were all shouting the same thing as Jude Bellingham arrived at Stamford Bridge ahead of the Champions League tie for Borussia Dortmund.The fans could be heard pleading for the midfielder to “come to Chelsea” as he made his way into the stadium.
      Chelsea fans were begging for Jude Bellingham to join the clubCredit: BT Sport

      However, he remained steely-faced and focused on the round of 16 match.
      Fans were not the only ones stunned to see him as Rio Ferdinand called him a “giant” when he saw him in person.
      The England international is in high demand going into the summer transfer window.
      It is expected that he will leave the Bundesliga side in a big-money move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The likes of Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid have all registered an interest in him.
      His father allegedly held talks with Real Madrid today over a stunning transfer move.
      Foot Mercato reported: “According to our information, a meeting is indeed underway between the father of the England international and Juni Calafat, director of international football for Real Madrid, and responsible for recruiting young players on a global scale.”
      The French publication added that the “meeting is at the Chelsea Harbor hotel in London” and that Madrid “will present its project for the playmaker” in it.
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      Although the LaLiga giants were reported not to be willing to stump up the £130million believed to be required to land the star.
      This could mean that the club will try to convince him to wait another year before making his move.
      Therefore they would be able to pay less for his services as he would be in the last year of his contract. More

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      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell has smoke canister thrown at him by Dortmund fans as referee is forced to halt match

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      BEN CHILWELL had a smoke canister thrown at him by Borussia Dortmund fans, forcing the referee to momentarily halt play.The incident occurred minutes before Raheem Sterling fired the Blues ahead in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
      Play was halted after Dortmund fans threw a smoke canister at Ben ChilwellCredit: BT Sport
      The incident happened as Chilwell took a cornerCredit: Getty
      Chelsea went into the last 16 battle a goal down from the first leg.
      And they spurned several good chances to go ahead, with Joao Felix and Kai Havertz going close.
      Chelsea faced a tough ask against a Dortmund side with a 100 per cent record in 2023.
      And the travelling fans made themselves heard with non-stop singing and the occasional yellow flare on the field.
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      Some even stormed the barriers before kick-off following a 10-minute delay to proceedings.
      But there were ugly scenes late in the first half when Blues star Chilwell took a corner in front of the Dortmund fans.
      A number of items were hurled at the England left-back.
      And one of them appeared to be a smoke canister.
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      Dortmund fans let off a yellow smoke canister early on in the gameCredit: Getty
      Chelsea had the last laugh as they scored minutes after the incidentCredit: Getty
      The incident saw referee Danny Makkelie stop play to remove the offending object.
      But Chilwell and Chelsea were not put off their stride as Sterling levelled the tie with a strike in the 43rd minute.
      Chilwell was then needed to stop a Dortmund equaliser just before the whistle, making a smart block in his own box.
      It wasn’t the first incident the game involving a smoke canister, with commentators finding it hard to see the pitch after one was let off early on.
      The BT commentary team said: “It’s difficult for you to see at home through the yellow mist.
      “It’s difficult for us as well from the commentary position as we’ve got the lights shining on the mist and it’s really affecting everyone’s view and vantage point inside Stamford Bridge.”
      Chelsea picked up where they left off in the second half as they won a 49th minute penalty for a Dortmund handball.
      Havertz, who was confirmed as Chelsea’s new penalty taker this week, hit the post with his effort.
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      But the spot-kick was controversially retaken after a Dortmund player appeared to enter the box as the initial hit was taken.
      Havertz made no mistake the second time around as he buried his effort in the corner. More