Kai Havertz’s second penalty appears easier

DBasia.news – Kai Havertz’s penalty was the most tense moment in Chelsea’s duel with Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the last 16 of the 2022-2023 Champions League. But the main culprit remained calm.

In the match that took place at Stamford Bridge, Wednesday (8/3), Chelsea beat Dortmund with a score of 2-0. This result ensured the Blues’ to step into the quarter-finals as they won 2-1 on aggregate.

Raheem Sterling opened Chelsea’s hopes after breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute. The hosts only needed one additional goal to get rid of Dortmund.

Drama was then presented at the start of the second half to be precise in the 48th minute. The referee on duty, Danny Makkelie, pointed to the spot with the help of VAR as Marius Wolf was deemed to have committed a handball.

Havertz then advanced as the penalty taker. But his execution hit the post even though he was able to outwit the Dortmund goalkeeper.

Shortly thereafter, Makkelie ordered the execution of the penalty to be repeated. From the replay, it can be seen that several Dortmund players entered the penalty box before Havertz carried out the execution.

Havertz continued to step forward as the executor. With high confidence, he still puts the ball in the same direction as before, even though it was more accurate.

What Havertz did was very risky. But there is not the slightest doubt to do so.

“I was a little bit nervous but I scored a goal, and that’s the most important thing. I tried to wait, to see the keeper, and I saw him go to the same side again,” Havertz told BT Sport.

“The second (execution) was a bit easier.”

Havertz’ goal sent Stamford Bridge roaring. A series of bad results throughout February seemed to be forgotten.

Qualification for the quarter-finals is indeed a breath of fresh air for Chelsea. This became the main capital for Graham Potter’s team to rise.

“The Champions League is important for us. This is the last tournament we participate in, so we have to give our all for it,” he added.

“We showed character, that we want to win this competition again. We have to build on this momentum and carry it into the Premier League game.”