Chelsea’s Champions League fate decided as 2012 winner delivers verdict on Graham Potter’s chances of European triumph

Chelsea have been backed to go far in the Champions League after confirming their spot in the quarter-finals following a Round of 16 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz were the difference in the second leg clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as Chelsea secured a 2-0 win to go through into the last-eight after winning 2-1 on aggregate.

Chelsea will now await their fate over who their opponent will be in the quarter-finals, with the draw set to be made next Friday.

Chelsea’s possible quarter-final opponents

1. Benfica
2. Bayern Munich or PSG
3. Tottenham Hotspur or AC Milan
4. FC Porto or Inter Milan
5. Manchester City or RB Leipzig
6. Napoli or Frankfurt
7. Real Madrid or Liverpool

“Yeah, really pleased,” expressed a joyous Potter at full-time in the English capital on Tuesday night. “The players were tremendous, the supporters were tremendous. You have to be against a team that are doing so well – 10 games on the bounce, winning.

“But I think over the two games we deserved to go through. I think we played a good game in Dortmund but we didn’t score, but today we did. It was a special night.”

Chelsea have won the competition two times already – 2012 and 2021 – which winger Florent Malouda was involved in back in 2012 when they won on penalties against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Frenchman believes Chelsea’s record of delivering in Champions League matches gives them a chance of going all the way this season amid their current position of 10th in the Premier League.

“It’s impossible now for Chelsea to win the Premier League this season of course and the Champions League is their last opportunity to win a trophy,” Malouda told DAZN Bet. “So mentally, everyone is aware of that and is focused on being successful in the competition.

“In 2012 it was a great opportunity, because we were thinking there are three games left to win the biggest trophy in club football. So it’s a shortcut to success for Chelsea this season, compared to Manchester City and Arsenal.

“Chelsea haven’t been able to compete with them in the league this season, but in the Champions League it is possible. Chelsea have done this in the past, and they have players who can deliver on the big nights.”

Chelsea now quickly turn their attentions though to league action this weekend. They face struggling Leicester City at the King Power Stadium hoping to claim their third win in a row to continue the positive momentum.

But Malouda believes it will be a tight game and that their fragility could allow the Foxes’ to take points off Chelsea.

He added: “I think Chelsea will draw against Leicester on Saturday, especially after the Dortmund game. I hope they win, but I feel they are still fragile in terms of confidence.

“The opposition are still getting lots of opportunities to score, and we are not consistently scoring goals. When you look at the goalscoring record this season, it’s not good at all. 

“Leicester will be a difficult game and I am predicting a draw.”