By Chris Sampson
- Resurgent Chelsea see off in-form Dortmund
- Tame Tottenham go out
Europe – There were contrasting fortunes for London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
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Chelsea 2 Borussia Dortmund 0 (aggregate 2-1)
Chelsea produced possibly their best performance under Graham Potter to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on aggregate.
The Blues, boosted by Saturday’s much-needed win over Leeds United in the Premier League, were able to convert their chances. Something which has been something of a problem this season. The victory over an in-form Dortmund side eases some pressure on Potter and possibly represents a turning point in their season. Domestically and in Europe.
Chelsea started well but Dortmund began to find their feet and for the middle period of the first-half looked as though they were going to take control. But it was Chelsea who came on stronger as the interval approached and on 43 minutes they got their reward.
Raheem Sterling hit a powerful strike Ben Chilwell’s cross to put Potter’s side in the lead on the night and level on aggregate.
Then on 53 minutes Kai Havertz’s retaken penalty gave them an advantage they would not relinquish. Both the award of the penalty, and the decision to retake it after Havertz struck a post were hotly disputed by the German side.
However, Havertz showed huge character to retake the spot-kick himself and the goal will be a massive weight off the German international’s shoulders. Havertz is not a traditional number nine and there is more to his game than goals. However, with neither the team nor Havertz scoring regularly he had come in for some criticism. He will be hoping that this is the start of better things.
Chelsea saw the game out with a great defensive display and looked dangerous on the break themselves. A season which has brought it’s share of disappointment for Blues fans may have just taken a turn for the better.
Tottenham Hotspur 0 AC Milan 0 (aggregate 0-1)
A hugely disappointing performance from Tottenham Hotspur saw their Champions League campaign fizzle out with a goalless draw against AC Milan.
Milan travelled to London with a 1-0 lead. It was not simply the fact that Spurs failed to overturn the deficit which will frustrate their supporters, nothing can be taken for granted at this level. It will be the manner in which they performed that will disappoint them.
Antonio Conte’s side have often started matches slowly this season, and the absence of a high tempo opening allowed Milan to get their shape and focus on keeping the game tight.
Spurs failed to put the visitors under sustained pressure. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tested AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan from range and Harry Kane headed wide with a chance. Late on another Kane header was superbly saved by Maignan. Milan could have added some gloss in the closing staged when Divock Origi hit the post.
Spurs misery was compounded when Cristian Romero was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. They must now try to get some consistency into their Premier League campaign in order to be in this competition next season.
The draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals will take place on Friday March 17. Next week sees Manchester City and Liverpool in Champions League action.
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