Soccer Champions League round of 16 first leg, Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea, February 15, 2023. Disappointed Chelsea players after the match. Front left Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Silva.
Dortmund – Offensive all-rounder Kai Havertz felt frustrated after Chelsea's 0-1 defeat in Dortmund on Wednesday. According to him, his team performed very well in the first round of the Champions League. Despite the results crisis, the German representative believes that the “Blues” have taken a step forward and are improving thanks to new signings.
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Photo gallery: Football Champions League 2022/23
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Chelsea was more active at the Westphalia Stadium and did not convert many chances. “It's frustrating because we played very well. We came here to win, or at least draw, but we lost in the final and that annoys us a lot,” Havertze was quoted as saying by the club's website.
Coach Graham Potter was also satisfied with the London team's performance. “We put in a very strong performance, especially in the second half when we dominated. We created a lot of chances, but I regret the goal we conceded,” said the 47-year-old Englishman.
Chelsea have won just one of their last nine competitive games and away from home, she did not win for the ninth time in a row. Still, Havertz believes he is on the right track, thanks to his winter signings. Joao Félix, Enzo Fernández and Michail Mudryk played for the first time against Dortmund in the “Blues” jersey in the Champions League.
“We brought in a lot of new players in the winter transfer window. I think we're obviously improving and finding chemistry with each other. It was another step forward, even though we lost. The result is the most important thing and we didn't want to lose. But we showed some positive sides, especially in the second half. We have to build on them,” said the 23-year-old German.
Dortmund's seventh competitive victory in a row was decided by Karim Adeyemi after a quick counterattack and an exemplary solo action in the 63rd minute. The 21-year-old striker got rid of Argentina's world champion Fernández, beat goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and finished into an empty net. he ran out and I was lucky,” Adeyemi stated.
Borussia captain Jude Bellingham appreciated his skills. “When he gets the ball in a one-on-one matchup, we trust him a lot. Not many players can stop him. He was looking after his arrival, but now he's flying,” the English international pointed out.
The rematch at Stamford Bridge will take place on the 7th. March.
