UCL: Chelsea fall in Germany, while Benfica Win in Belgium

German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund continued their winning run in 2023 as they secured their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over Premier League side Chelsea.

Contrastingly, the Blues had only won one out of the nine competitive games in the year so far and needed a victory in Germany to boost their chances of moving into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

However, the Bundesliga side took the lead in the 63rd minute of the encounter through Karim Adeyemi, although Chelsea had their chances in the first half.

Joao Felix’s strike hit the crossbar while defender Thiago Silva handled the ball into the back of the net, which was rightly yellow carded by the referee. The yellow blacks dominated the first half but failed to score, only to score in the second half, which Graham Potter’s Chelsea largely dominated.

Borussia Dortmund’s skipper on the night, Jude Bellingham, gave his thoughts after the game, giving plaudits for Karim Adeyemi’s goal.

“It was good. We dominated the first half. They had chances, but we were in control for the majority of the first half. In the second half, we took the foot off the gas, and they had more control. We showed how well we can defend and see out games.” Jude Bellingham said.

Borussia Dortmund would face Hertha Berlin, Hoffenheim, and RB Leipzig before traveling to London for the second leg in March.

Graham Potter must get results against Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leeds United if he wants to still remain in charge by the second leg on March 7.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, Club Brugge fell at home 2-0 to Benfica in the round of 16 fixture. A penalty from Joao Mario six minutes after the break and a late goal from David Neres secured the win.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu