Borussia Dortmund suffer UEFA Champions League heartbreak at Stamford Bridge
Borussia Dortmund's 2022/23 UEFA Champions League journey ended with a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, with former Bayer Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz scoring the goal that knocked the visitors out at the last-16 stage.
Chelsea 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (2-1 on agg) Goals: 1-0 Sterling 43', 2-0Havertz pen. 53'
Following their narrow 1-0 victory at Signal Iduna Park in the first leg of the tie, Dortmund travelled to London knowing a draw would be enough to see them progress to the quarter-finals for the second time in three years. However, their task received a blow before kick-off when news emerged that Gregor Kobel had not fully recovered from a muscular issue suffered against RB Leipzig and, within five minutes, the in-form Julian Brandt was forced off with a hamstring problem. The hosts started at a frantic pace, and Die Schwarzgelben needed to survive chances from Joao Felix, Havertz and Kalidou Koulibaly. Dortmund then began to find their feet, dominating possession, and they almost took the lead when Marco Reus tested Kepa Arrizabalaga with a fantastic free-kick. As half-time approached, the Blues increased their intensity once more and, after Havertz struck the post and stand-in goalkeeper Alexander Meyer denied Felix, Raheem Sterling broke the deadlock from close range to level the aggregate scoreline.
Dortmund suffered another setback with less than 60 seconds on the second-half clock, when Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Marius Wolf handled in the area. Havertz hit the post with his first attempt but, as three players - two from Dortmund and one from the hosts - entered the box before the ball was kicked, the Germany international was gifted another opportunity to double his side's advantage. This time, he made no mistake from 12 yards, leaving Edin Terzic's men with a mountain to climb. A 2-1 deficit across the two matches meant Dortmund needed a goal to take the game to extra-time, and they almost had it when Jude Bellingham missed the target from less than six metres. Emre Can and Niklas Süle threatened with efforts from distance. In an attempt to add some impetus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Donyell Malen were introduced. Ultimately, though, despite throwing bodies forward, the Ruhr outfit never really threatened Arrizabalaga between the Chelsea sticks. The result will be a hugely disappointing one for Dortmund considering their recent form, and they must now dust themselves down before attacking the rest of the season, with silverware in the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup still on the line.
Match stats
The last time Dortmund failed to score in a competitive match was against Manchester City in October, 17 games ago.
The defeat ends a run of 10 consecutive wins in all competitions for the German side.
This was the first time in the last nine competitive fixtures that Dortmund have not opened the scoring.
For only the second time in seven knockout ties after winning the first leg, Dortmund failed to reach the next round.
Dortmund have now lost each of their last six away games on English soil in the Champions League.
The last time Dortmund won both legs of a knockout tie in Europe's premier club competition was 26 years ago in 1997. That May, they lifted the trophy.
Teams
Chelsea: Kepa - W. Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella - James, Kovacic (c) (Pulisic 83'), Fernandez (Zakaria 87'), Chilwell - Sterling (Loftus-Cheek 83'), Havertz, Joao Felix (Gallagher 67')
Unused subs: Bettinelli, Bergstrom, Chalobah, Mudryk, Ziyech, Chukwuemeka, Hall Out: Aubameyang (ineligible), Azpilicueta (head), Badiashile (ineligible), Broja (cruciate ligament), D. Fofana (ineligible), Kante (match fitness), Madueke (ineligible), Mendy (shoulder), Mount (suspended), Silva (knee)
Coach: Graham Potter
Champions League Round of 16, 2nd leg Round of 16, 2nd leg Stamford Bridge, London
90'
+ 8
Full-time: Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund suffer their first defeat of 2023 in their 11th match of the year - and bow out of the Champions League in the process. It wasn't their night - despite a great effort over the two legs.
Sterling was just offside when receiving a pass before laying off for Gallagher to slot home. A third goal would have sealed Dortmund's fate - now they are still in this!
73'
Süle smashes wide
A powerful drive from the centre-back from the corner of the box flashes a little wide. Just over 15 minutes remaining.
69'
Chelsea keeping lid on Dortmund pressure
The Premier League outfit have a strong defensive record and they are making it difficult for Dortmund to fashion openings. BVB are pushing forward whenever possible but need to up the ante here a little with 20 minutes left on the clock.
65'
Wolf goes close!
Reyna pulls the ball back to Wolf on the right and the full-back puts in a sharp shot that Kepa does very well to save.
Chelsea's second goalscorer tonight was made in the Bundesliga at Leverkusen.
60'
Working it well
Bellingham and Guerreiro combine on the edge of the area, before a clearance falls to Can, who curls a shot into Kepa from 20 metres out.
58'
Bellingham!
Much better from Dortmund. The ball gets played around the box and Haller pulls it across to Bellingham right next to him, but the Englishman clips his shot wide.
55'
Behind in the tie
Dortmund have to attack now, and attack they do. Bellingham and Reyna both take pot shots on the edge of the area that are blocked.
53'
Havertz scores. 2-0 Chelsea.
The German international beats Meyer at the second time of asking.
51'
Penalty to be retaken
VAR checked for encroachment into the area when Havertz took his penalty and the decision is to allow for it to be retaken.
51'
Havertz misses penalty
Is that the lifeline that Dortmund needed? Bad luck for Kai Havertz, as Meyer dives the wrong way but Havertz places the spot kick into the left post of the Dortmund target.
49'
Chelsea penalty
Wolf is penalised for stopping a Chilwell cross with an arm at close range.
48'
VAR check for a possible Chelsea penalty
The Blues have started the second half well.
46'
Back in action
A big 45 minutes ahead for Dortmund, needless to state.
Kick-off!
45'
+ 3
Half-time: Chelsea 1-0 Dortmund
It has been difficult for Dortmund to live with Chelsea's intensity. They had a few good phases though amid the Blues' pressure, and have a vital time to regroup now with the score level 1-1 on aggregate.
Half-time
45'
+ 3
Guerreiro almost levels it!
Bellingham pokes a ball through to the full-back but Chilwell gets a challenge in just before Guerreiro can pounce.
45'
Three additional minutes indicated
Chelsea go on the attack again.
44'
Sterling scores. 1-0 Chelsea.
The England attacker levels the tie 1-1 on aggregate with a shot in the box.
42'
Felix fires wide
Another Chelsea chance comes and goes. Dortmund will be delighted to get a half-time break (provided they avoid conceding in the next few minutes).
Some intense Chelsea pressure sees Felix hammer a shot in from a crossed free-kick that a grouping of Dortmund defenders and Meyer together manage to block. Koulibaly could easily have turned the free-kick in before that but didn't connect properly when in front of an open goal.
38'
Flurry of action!
Wolf picks out Guerreiro with a great pass, but James challenges him with the Portuguese full-back through on goal. Meyer denies Sterling superbly in a one-one-one at the other end, Havertz puts the ball in the net on the rebound but the goal is disallowed as Sterling had been offside on the break.
Nothing in this
Chelsea have played with a real tempo and had the better opportunities, but Dortmund's defending and control of possession will give them every hope of seeing this through. Keeping Chelsea goalless until half-time will help.
An acrobatic effort from the Croatian on the edge of the box zips wide.
31'
Guerreiro free-kick
The Portuguese international swings a free-kick in after Havertz fouled Schlotterbeck. Kepa punches clear.
28'
Havertz hits the post
Relief for Dortmund as Kai Havertz smashes a Wolf clearance from a James cross on the volley from the edge of the area. It beats Meyer and hits the inside of the post, but somehow bounces wide of the other post.
Quiet phase
The Reyna chance ended a quiet few minutes with no action at either end. Dortmund and their fans will be very happy to see more of that!
Another good moment for Dortmund. Reyna gets the ball into the area on the right and pulls the ball right across the goalmouth - unfortunately none of the American's team-mates was able to anticipate that and meet it for what would have been a near certain goal!
19'
Dominant Dortmund (for now)
BVB have seen out Chelsea's strong start and have been the better team of the past 10 minutes - and have an incredible 73% of possession so far.
17'
Reus free-kick draws save
Fofana brought down Reyna - and after some intense discussions about the distance of Chelsea's wall, Reus curls the free-kick wonderfully towards the left. Kepa has to dive across to push it behind.
13'
Good phase of Dortmund passing
That will help calm things. The men in yellow keep the ball circulating well for a couple of minutes. Dortmund have enjoyed 55% of possession so far, but Chelsea registered the first three shots of the night.
10'
Schlotterbeck heads clear
Chilwell swings a cross in from the left but the Dortmund centre-back heads it well clear. The Bundesliga outfit might just be getting on top of things defensively.
8'
Havertz wide
Another quick Chelsea attack. Felix releases Havertz with a great ball forward, but the former Leverkusen man can only find the side netting. There is a bit of early pressure for Dortmund to see out tonight.
6'
Felix denied by Meyer
There has been plenty of intensity to Chelsea in the opening phase, and Joao Felix breaks free in the area. Meyer does very well to close him down and save!
5'
Enforced early substitution
Brandt is unable to continue, and Reyna gets a chance to show what he can do.
Not what Dortmund fans wanted to see. In-form Julian Brandt is down holding his knee and may have to leave the field, let's see...
2'
End-to-end start
Dortmund win a corner in the first minute, which Brandt swings in for Wolf. It's cleared before the full-back can shoot, and Chelsea launch a quick break, leading to Sterling getting the ball in the area before it runs free for Meyer to gather.
1'
Off we go!
The crunch Champions League last 16 second leg starts.
Kick-off!
The Champions League anthem sounds
Kick-off is imminent!
Five minutes to go
We've been treated to a lights show, a Tifo from the Chelsea fans and some very noisy Dortmund fans. You can feel the excitement all around Stamford Bridge!
Huge game for Dortmund's season
They have looked so impressive since the new year, giving themselves every chance in the Bundesliga title race. The 1997 Champions League winners would love to take their Champions League campaign further though as a mark of their progress this season.
3:57
Watch: All of Dortmund's Bundesliga goals this season
While we wait for the slightly delayed kick off, feel free to feast you eyes on all 47 of Dortmund's Bundesliga goals so far this season.
Kick-off delayed!
The game is going to start at 21:10 CET - 10 minutes later than planned - due to traffic issues holding up the Dortmund team bus.
The Dortmund players go out to warm up at Stamford Bridge and get a rousing reception from their supporters who have travelled from Germany.
2:03
Watch: Dortmund 2-1 Leipzig highlights
Dortmund, level on points with Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga, warmed up for the big clash in London with an impressive win in a high-quality encounter against fellow Champions League representatives Leipzig.
Chelsea team news
Graham Potter makes two changes to the Chelsea team that beat Leeds on Saturday in their first win in seven matches. Fit-again Reece James and Marc Cucurella come in for Loftus-Cheek and the ineligible Badiashile.
Dortmund team news
Just one change made by Edin Terzic from the side that made it 10 wins out of 10 in 2023 against Leipzig on Friday night. Guerreiro comes in for suspended full-back Ryerson. Alexander Meyer starts in goal again as Gregor Kobel has not recovered from a thigh injury in time, but the first-choice keeper is named on the bench tonight - alongside English youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Chelsea starting XI
Kepa - W. Fofana, Koulibaly, Cucurella - James, Kovacic (c), Fernandez, Chilwell - Sterling, Havertz, Joao Felix
Chelsea coach Graham Potter acknowledged the strong form of Dortmund in an upbeat assessment, saying: "It’s a good challenge for us, but we’re excited for it and we’re looking forward to it. We’re meeting a top opponent. You can see their results in the Bundesliga. They’re in a fantastic vein of form, winning games constantly, 10 in a row. They’re doing a lot well, but what an opportunity for us."
Cautious coach
Despite leading the tie 1-0 and being on an incredible 10-match winning run in all competitions, Dortmund coach Edin Terzic is taking nothing for granted against the 2021 European Champions. He said: "I don't think form will be decisive - it's a knockout match. The table doesn't reflect how they [Chelsea] have been performing. They don't have as many points as they have deserved. They caught us out in two of three nasty moments in the first half [of the first leg]. If you are too passive and drop back, they will find space behind the defence and make it really dangerous."
1:31
Watch: Bellingham meets mind reader
You do not need any special powers of prediction though to forecast the English midfielder starting tonight and doing absolutely everything to try to take Dortmund into the Champions League last eight!
Early team news
The big question going into the crunch second leg in London tonight is who will start in goal for Dortmund. Gregor Kobel has travelled to England but faces a race against time to recover from a thigh issue sustained in warming up for the 2-1 win over Leipzig on Friday. Alexander Meyer is ready to deputise again, if needed. Karim Adeyemi, whose fine individual goal secured the 1-0 win in the first leg, is out injured, but Dortmund have plenty of attacking options at their disposal - with in-form Julian Brandt and Marco Reus among those raring to go.
0:48
Watch: Julian Brandt named Bundesliga Player of the Month
Julian Brandt was named the Bundesliga's Player of the Month for January and has continued to shine as BVB challenge on three fronts. He is likely to play a big role if his side are to progress at Stamford Bridge.
Dortmund to continue their perfect start to 2023?
Edin Terzic could hardly have asked for more from his players at the start of this calendar year, with 'Die Schwarzgelben' winning all of their 10 of their competitive fixtures following the winter break. That run includes a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of this tie last month, and Dortmund now have the chance to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition for the second time in three seasons.
Welcome!
Welcome to the live blog for Borussia Dortmund's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg versus Chelsea. Follow all the action right here!
Jude Bellingham captained Borussia Dortmund to a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg, Karim Adeyemi scoring the decisive goal at the Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Chelsea Goals: 1-0Adeyemi (63’)
The Dortmund fans displayed a huge Tifo prior to kick-off, and were almost rewarded for their efforts with an early goal as Julian Brandt had a fierce effort blocked by Enzo Fernandez. Mykhailo Mudryk raced straight up the other end, only for Nico Schlotterbeck to put in a superb recovery challenge before the Chelsea man could shoot. The visitors had the ball in the net in the 17th minute, but Thiago Silva was called back for using his hand to turn in Reece James’ free-kick. Sebastien Haller found the side netting for Dortmund, before Joao Felix fizzed one over the Dortmund goal. Felix hit the crossbar in a promising one-on-one moments later, but BVB ended the half in the ascendancy as Marius Wolf sent a well-struck shot narrowly wide of the upright.
Gregor Kobel was made to work for the first time to prevent a James set-piece from nestling into the corner early in the second half. Dortmund responded through Brandt, who drove a shot through a ruck of bodies and into the grateful arms of Kepa. Kobel pulled off another crucial save to turn James’ bouncing strike over the crossbar, before BVB forged ahead. Adeyemi ran from inside his own half, beating Fernandez and rounding Kepa on his way to sinking his second Champions League goal of the season. Emre Can made a goal-line clearance after Kobel spilled Kalidou Koulibaly’s stinging 12-yard strike as Dortmund stole a crucial advantage in the tie, ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge on 7 March.
