Graham Potter’s struggles at Chelsea continued as his side slipped to a first leg Champions League Round of 16 defeat away at Borussia Dortmund.
The result ensured that the Blues have won just two of their last 14 matches in all competitions – home Premier League encounters against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace respectively. Their ongoing problems of spurning opportunities continued in this encounter.
It was an open match with plenty of chances for both sides. Thiago Silva had the ball in the net for Chelsea in the first half but his effort was correctly ruled out for handball, before Joao Felix rattled the crossbar in another big opening.
With over 30 shots in the match for both teams combined – seven of which were Chelsea efforts on targets – it was somewhat surprising that the deadlock was not broken until the 63 rd minute, when Karim Adeyemi led a potent Dortmund counter-attack, beating Enzo Fernandez for pace before rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga and finding the net.
The Chelsea pressure continued with a multiple of openings, coming closest as Kalidou Koulibaly’s effort was cleared off the line after Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel spilled the initial effort. But Chelsea were once again frustrated in front of goal as they struggled to turn chances into goals.
Here are five talking points from an entertaining clash in Dortmund.
Dortmund form a warning
Borussia Dortmund have been flying since the World Cup. Going into this encounter, they had won all six of their matches since the tournament. They are now in the Bundesliga title race – just two positions and three points from league leaders Bayern Munich.
They may not carry the European pedigree of Bayern while Chelsea may have thought this was far from the worst draw, but Dortmund’s results since that draw should have been a major warning for the Blues.
Their counter-attacking threat and willingness to match the intensity of Premier League teams meant this tie was always going to be a hugely difficult one that was destined to be decided at Stamford Bridge.
Blues caught cold
Dortmund’s supreme counter-attacking goal exposed Chelsea’s defensive setup when attacking a set piece as Adeyemi sprinted past Fernandez, round Arrizabalaga and provided a cool finish.
Yet despite Chelsea’s perceived superiority for long periods, Dortmund peppered Chelsea’s goal with 11 shots and five corners in the first half alone. Now that they will not be naturally chasing the game in the second leg, the Blues will have to be ultra-vigilant against their counter attacking threat.
Felix stakes his claim
Joao Felix bagged his first Chelsea goal in the weekend draw at West Ham and despite his debut red card at Fulham, he had shown promising signs in that match. This was the biggest stage yet for the Portuguese to show he should be an automatic starter amid multiple competitors in the Blues squad, and he came up trumps.
He was desperately unlucky not to score with a fine bit of skill in the opening period before his shot rattled the bar. His passing stats for the first half showed a 100 percent successful completion rate – eye-catchingly strong for a player in his position.
Felix’s stay at Stamford Bridge is likely to be just a temporary one, but he is aiming to make it memorable.
Bellingham brilliance
Somehow, Jude Bellingham is still a teenager. Somehow, each time you see him play – there is something new to appreciate. Some seemingly hidden talent which is now showing itself.
The midfielder is the star of this Dortmund team and he will leave this summer, but not before aiming to go out on a high. The England international could yet lead this side to glory domestically and a lengthy Champions League run.
Dortmund are not the strongest side remaining in the Champions League, but no player has a faster rising stock than the 19-year-old.
Silva handball
The Blues thought Silva had opened the scoring early on as he turned home a James free-kick, although replays showed the Brazilian had blatantly handled it into the net.
However, the decision to book the 38-year-old appears to be a harsh one as he was blatantly nudged by Dortmund right-back Marius Wolf in mid-air.
While there certainly was not enough contact from Wolf to merit a penalty for the Blues, the decision to book Silva could be viewed as a harsh one as it was not an intentional move. Furthermore, Silva immediately held his hands up after the incident to acknowledge his handball.
