The Bounce-Back Blues

03/08/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Chelsea & Benfica Punch Tickets to Champions League Quarterfinals

Another chapter in the UEFA Champions League saga unfolded Tuesday when two clubs advanced to the UCL quarterfinals after victories in Leg 2 of the Round of 16. Chelsea and Benfica are moving on by eliminating Dortmund and Club Brugge, respectively. The Blues are heading back to the quarterfinals for the third straight season after winning it all in 2021. Benfica are making their second consecutive trip to the Round of 8, but the club has never reached the UCL semifinals. Here’s how yesterday’s matches were won:

 

Chelsea def. Dortmund (2-0) | 2-1 Aggregate

Still kicking! Chelsea entered Leg 2 on Tuesday trailing Borussia Dortmund by one goal, but Raheem Sterling (43’) tied the aggregate score just before halftime. Kai Havertz hit the post on a Chelsea penalty kick early in the second half, but Dortmund was called for entering the box early. Havertz didn’t miss the second attempt, and Chelsea put a lid on the match to advance.

 

Benfica def. Club Brugge (5-1) | 7-1 Aggregate

The club from Lisbon has done it again! One year after reaching the UCL quarterfinals, Benfica is heading back to Europe’s top-8 with a smashing blowout against Club Brugge. They held a two-goal lead in aggregate scoring entering Leg 2, but five goals in 40 minutes blew the doors off Brugge. Goncalo Ramos scored twice to bookend the half, and Benfica dances on.

 

Today’s Schedule (Round of 16: Leg 2)

Bayern vs. PSG (3:00 pm ET) | Bayern Leads 1-0

Tottenham vs. Milan (3:00 pm ET) | Milan Leads 1-0

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Is Chelsea’s Win Over Dortmund A Turning Point?

CBS Sports: Champions League Recap: Chelsea Come Back to Beat Dortmund, Benfica Cruise Through to QFs

 

Photo: Darren Walsh / Getty Images