Chelsea have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Blues, with Zakaria from the 87th, beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in London, who played without Kobel, after losing 1-0 in the first leg in Germany.
Graham Potter’s men arguably delivered their best performance in a long time. They scored through Sterling (44th) and Havertz (53rd, from the penalty spot), who had already shot the post in the 1st half.
Chelsea thus finally scored more than one goal in a game in 2023. The timing proved ideal, because if the Londoners want to contest the Champions League next season, they have only one way: to win the current edition.
Le Borussia sans Kobel
Injured in training last weekend, Gregor Kobel was not recovered enough to take his place at Stamford Bridge. The Zurich goalkeeper, hero of the first leg, was replaced by Alexander Meyer, who was not unworthy.
The BVB, which had won its 10 matches since the start of the year, saw this fine series come to an end at the worst possible time. Still, the Germans were given several chances, but Arrizabalaga always vetoed. Zakaria entered late in the game (87th) for Chelsea.
ats/btro