Potter hails 'fantastic' Chelsea after morale-boosting Dortmund win

An emotional Graham Potter hailed Chelsea’s "fantastic" performance as the Blues booked their place in the Champions League quarter-final by beating Borussia Dortmund.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz either side of half-time overturned a first-leg deficit in the last 16 tie during an encouraging display at Stamford Bridge.

The 2-0 victory saw the West Londoners record consecutive wins for the first time since October as they wait to learn their opponents in the last eight.

Potter, 47, said post-match: "I'm not sure [how I’m feeling]! There is a lot of emotion in the end. It was tense in the end but the boys played fantastic. 

"I am delighted for them to get the win and great for everyone here.

"There was a fantastic feeling in the dressing room. We have been through a tough period and this competition means a lot for us. 

"We wanted to progress and get into the last eight and it sets us up for the next few weeks.

"It is great for the boys, two wins, two clean sheets after a tough period. You get that in life and it is about how you respond and the players have been fantastic.

"A fantastic atmosphere, a fantastic evening, the players were tremendous, the supporters were tremendous.

“They had to be against a team that was doing so well. I think over the two games we deserved to go through, it was a special night."

Sterling deservedly put Chelsea ahead in the 43rd minute, slamming home at the second attempt after an initial miskick from Ben Chilwell’s cross.

The Blues were in the driving seat shortly after the break when German international Havertz slotted home a penalty at the second attempt after his missed first effort was ordered to be retaken.

And such are the high stakes Chelsea are currently playing under, Potter admitted he could not watch the 23-year-old’s second spot-kick.

He added: "I couldn’t watch after the first one, I just sat down and listened to the crowd. 

"I was delighted when I heard the roar. Not for me, taking penalties! I’m in awe of anyone that can."

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Leicester on Saturday before they host Everton a week later ahead of the international break.