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      ‘A joke’ – Fuming Bellingham says Havertz was the real reason crucial penalty had to be retaken in Chelsea win

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM claimed it was a “joke” decision for Chelsea’s penalty to be retaken against Borussia Dortmund.He also suggested it only happened due to Kai Havertz’s spot-kick technique.
      The referee ordered Kai Havertz’s first penalty to be re-taken for encroachmentCredit: BT Sport
      Jude Bellingham claimed that the decision was a ‘joke’Credit: Getty
      He was shown the incident by BT SportCredit: BT Sport
      Raheem Sterling and Havertz netted either side of the break to fire the Blues to a 2-0 win and into the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Chelsea spurned a number of first half chances prior to Sterling finally firing 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 but he recovered the ball and rifled it past Marco Reus and the ‘keeper for his first goal since New Year’s Day.
      The Blues then 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.
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      After a VAR review ref Danyy Makkelie pointed to the spot.
      Havertz sent his first effort against the post after a stuttering run-up but the spot kick was ordered to be retaken due to an encroachment by a Dortmund player who then cleared the ball.
      And the German finally ended his seven-game goal drought to double the lead at the second time of asking by slotting into the corner he was aiming for previously.
      However, that decision left Bellingham, who is a summer transfer target for Chelsea and who had clashed with Ben Chilwell in additional time, raging.
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      Bellingham told BT Sport afterwards: “I’ve not seen the incident back, from where I was it looked pretty close, I’m not sure what more you can do with the hands.”
      Then, after watching the replay, he appeared to blame Havertz who used a stuttering run up: “It is a yard or two away. I am not too sure. I don’t want to get in trouble. That in itself was disappointing but the fact they had a retake is a joke.
      “For every penalty with such a slow run up there is going to be encroachment by people running into the box by a yard or so, but that’s the game. They’ve made the decision and we’ve had to live with it.” More

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      Chelsea fans hail struggling star for ‘delivering a masterclass in our biggest game’ against Dortmund

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      MARC CUCURELLA stunned Chelsea fans as much as Borussia Dortmund by returning to “deliver a masterclass in our biggest game of the season”.The recalled left-back was Uefa’s player of the match ahead of Chelsea’s goalscorers as the Blues reached the Champions League last eight.
      Marc Cucurella was Uefa’s man of the match as Chelsea KO’d DortmundCredit: Getty
      Cucurella, right, stepped in for a brilliant display from left-back, as he helped Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Co KO Jude Bellingham’s DortmundCredit: Reuters
      Raheem Sterling and Havertz clinched a 2-0 win for a 2-1 aggregate success over the second-placed Bundesliga side.
      And Cucurella, as as well as Chelsea supporters, hope this could be a huge turning point for the £62million ex-Brighton hero.
      The Spaniard was burgled soon after arriving at Stamford Bridge last August.
      And his form has stuttered along with Chelsea’s, even after his former Brighton boss Graham Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel in September.
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      But fans raved after his lively display against German giants Dortmund.
      One said: “Poor performances, heavy price tag, fairly & unfairly criticised, out the squad for 3 games in a row, comes straight into the XI & delivers a masterclass in our biggest game of the season. Marc Cucurella.”
      Another posted: “Man of the match today was constantly supporting Chilwell and Koulibaly at the same time.”
      A third supporter wrote: “I would have picked Havertz myself but can’t begrudge Cucurella for winning the award.
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      “Wonderful to see in a difficult season for him on and off the field.”
      And despite Chelsea including expensive recruits like Joao Felix and Enzo Fernandez, unsung Blues were singled out too.
      Such comments included: “Kovacic and Chilwell were my man of the matches. Kepa was also great.” More

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      Jude Bellingham has quiet night in front of Chelsea owner Todd Boehly ahead of summer transfer scramble

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is considered the jewel in the crown of English football – the teenage midfielder just waiting to take a huge step forward this summer.Arguably England’s best performer at the World Cup last year, he arrived back on home soil with a mushrooming reputation to go with the steadily inflating price tag.
      Jude Bellingham suffered a miserable night at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      The star missed an opportunity to grab a goal for DortmundCredit: Alamy
      At Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea beat Dortmund 2-1 to advance to the last-eight of the Champions League, he came up against Enzo Fernandez, the most expensive player in British history. 
      But the smart money is on Bellingham leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer for more than the £106 million Chelsea paid for their Argentinian – who was officially anointed best young player in Qatar on his way to becoming a world champion at 21.
      There are two years between Ferandez and Bellingham. By the time the former Birmingham City trainee gets the key to the door there is every reason to expect he will be playing at a far higher level than a Chelsea team under shaky construction.
      There were even unsubstantiated pre-match reports that Bellingham’s dad was meeting with officials from Real Madrid just a few hundred metres from the stadium, allegedly teeing up his departure to the current European champions.
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      Nevertheless, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly was watching closely from the stands and no doubt sizing up whether or not his club should make a play for Bellingham at the end of the season. There is definite interest from the new people upstairs.
      Sod’s law dictated that the young man paying a flying visit back “home” to England to showcase his skills would have a quiet night. He was sub-Jude.
      It was much the same last month when the majestic Signal Iduna Park hosted their Premier League visitors in the first leg. All he got that night was booked.
      Bellingham was unable to get the ball onto his toes and drive at the Chelsea defence in the return.
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      There was an uncharacteristic disconnect between the midfield and the attackers in a German side on a ten game winning streak. 
      Waiting to provide the link up to his strikers was a frustrating game for England’s hottest young player. At one point in the first half he was left stranded up front. 
      A loner who could do nothing with a long ball pumped forward except head the ball aimlessly into space then look around for his non-existent mates and hold his hands up in despair.
      In the 58th minute he was presented with a chance to score. And with the sizeable target of Kalidou Koulibaly in his way could only scuff a shot from six yards wide of the post.
      In Bellingham’s defence, this game largely bypassed the midfield.
      It was 100mph stuff engaging the strikers, mainly in blue, as quickly as possible. Fernandez hardly set the world alight too.
      Chelsea are one of the clubs chasing his signature this summerCredit: Getty 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.
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      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 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.
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      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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      Dortmund fans storm Stamford Bridge barriers before Chelsea clash as thousands march through streets of London

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      DORTMUND fans stormed barriers to get into Stamford Bridge ahead of their delayed clash with Chelsea.The Blues trail 1-0 down from the first leg against the German giants in the Champions League last-16 tie.
      Thousands of fans marched to Stamford Bridge amid a heavy police presenceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Dortmund supporters stormed security cordons at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      Blue flares were let off as cops struggled to hold back the crowds outsideCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      But victory over Leeds at the weekend sees Graham Potter and his side head into tonight’s second leg with renewed confidence.
      However, the match was DELAYED by ten minutes following the late arrival of the German giants.
      They turned up nearly 30 minutes late due to major congestion around Stamford Bridge, which was in part caused by thousands of fans of both teams walking through the streets of West London.
      Dortmund’s late arrival left them with less than an hour to prepare for the second leg of the tie – which was delayed by ten minutes.
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      Supporters were spotted “scrambling over the barriers outside the ground in chaotic scenes” prior to the match.
      And an unknown number appear to have gained entry into the stadium without a ticket.
      Manager Edin Terezic said of his side’s later arrival: “We had a bit of a delay but we are here and ready to fight for the next round.
      “We didn’t know if we would start on time or if there will be a delay to kick off, it is disturbing a lot.”
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      The Chelsea team received a warm welcome as home fans let off a blue flare to welcome the team coach to Stamford Bridge.
      However, Dortmund are also set to have a huge backing and the capital has already seen them take over.
      The thousands of travelling supporters, led by cops, marched through the streets of London towards the ground before kick off as they performed renditions of their favourite anthems.
      However, tensions began to mount outside the stadium according to those on the scene as they were held by police before later it emerged a number had stormed the cordons.
      Journalist Matt Pearson tweeted a photo of the jam-packed streets and wrote: “Thousands of Borussia Dortmund fans being held behind a police cordon ahead of #CHEBVB.
      “Couple of little skirmishes, it’s been a long wait.”
      Meanwhile, Potter has made two changes for the showdown.
      Reece James returns at right-wing back in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      And Marc Cucurella is starting at left-centre back in place of Benoit Badiashile.
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      For Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro comes in for Julian Ryerson at left-wing back.
      Otherwise, BVB are unchanged following their 2-1 win against RB Leipzig with England star Jude Bellingham starting in midfield for them.
      Thousands of supporters lined the streets of West LondonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Chelsea and Liverpool transfer blow as ‘Rafael Leao’s agent offers AC Milan star to Real Madrid’

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      CHELSEA and Liverpool target Rafael Leao has reportedly been offered to Real Madrid.And it could see the AC Milan star miss out on a Premier League move this summer.
      AC Milan star Rafael Leao has been offered to Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Gazzetta claims Leao is no closer to extending his San Siro contract, which expires in 2024.
      Milan are now gearing up to sell the Portugal ace at the end of the season.
      And English sides including Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are thought to be interested.
      However, Leao could end up signing for Real Madrid instead.
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      It’s believed the forward’s agent, Jorge Mendes, offered Leao to Los Blancos last month.
      Initial contact was started with club chiefs, who are making preparations for the eventual exit of 35-year-old Karim Benzema.
      But talks are yet to resume despite Real expressing an interest.
      Leao is thought to be open to all options, including staying at Milan.
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      However, he wants to be paid at least £7million each year on his next deal.
      Milan have made several offers which have not come near that figure.
      And so an exit appears to be the most probably outcome.
      Chelsea had been firm favourites for Leao, with Graham Potter even expressing his admiration for the talent before the Blues’ Champions League group stage wins over Milan.
      But Todd Boehly instead opted to spend £88million on Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk in January.
      Likewise, Liverpool landed Cody Gakpo at the turn of the year and still have Luis Diaz to return from injury.
      And that could end up putting City in pole position, with Jack Grealish currently the only option on the left. More

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      Chelsea stars facing huge financial hits if club don’t make Champions League this season with Felix’s future up in air

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      CHELSEA players are facing a hit to their own pockets if they fail to fight their way into the next season’s Champions League. The stakes could hardly be higher before tonight’s second-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund, with the future of star player Joao Felix also potentially dependent on the game.
      Felix has scored once, been sent off once and hit the bar twice in his six Chelsea appearances
      There are big financial drawbacks for clubs who fail to qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
      And the Telegraph report that there could be individual hits for many of Chelsea’s stars as well.
      Many of the players who have signed for the Blues since last year’s Todd Boehly-led takeover are believed to have Champions League clauses in their contract.
      This means they will reportedly face a 25 per cent reduction in their wages if the Blues fail to make it into the Champions League.
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      If this is the case, it represents a big change from the Roman Abramovich era.
      Player salaries did not change based on whether or not Chelsea made it into the top four – but there were incentives for winning trophies.

      The London club’s chances of making it into next season’s Champions League do not look particularly encouraging at the moment.
      Chelsea need to cut an 11 point gap to fourth-placed Tottenham in their final 13 games of the season.
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      Or they need to come from a goal down to beat Dortmund tonight before overcoming three other sides on their way to winning the Champions League for the second time in three years.
      Atletico Madrid loanee Felix admits any future at Stamford Bridge beyond this May could depend on how Chelsea European prospects.
      He said: “Yeah, playing in the Champions League is always different. It’s a competition that everyone wants to play.
      “But now I’m focused on this Champions League, on the game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. It’s not over. 
      “But, yeah, playing in the Champions League is an important decision, but the future no one knows, so let’s see what happens and then we’ll see.” More