The Borussia Dortmund of the “desired” Jude Bellingham and who has a positive streak will put to the test the “new” Chelsea, the team that spent the most money in the winter “market” and which is now led by the De Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernández, one of the most expensive signings in football history, and Portugal’s Joao Félix, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League’s round of 16.
Dortmund come to Chelsea in the midst of a run of eight straight wins in official matches to see them back in contention for the Bundesliga.
The recovery of Sebastian Haller, after his long absence due to testicular cancer, and captain Marco Reus are two elements that have strengthened the team.
In addition, there are players like Julian Brandt who have shown their best version in recent games, which was not always the case in the first half of the season.
Personally, trainer Edin Terzik will not be able to rely on Youssufa Moukoko, who is out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2-0 win against Werder Bremen.
Terzic has credited the streak to the balance currently in the roster, which has allowed him to dose some players, including Haller after his illness, and also offset losses due to injuries or penalties.
“There are players who start the games, players who finish them and players who define them,” said Terzic, explaining the streak.
Terzic speaks of a “healthy euphoria” in the group after the winning streak.
The Champions League tie hits Chelsea at its worst time since the arrival of Graham Potter, with a single win coming in 2023. Despite the huge investment in the past winter market (more than €330 million), the team has yet to get off the ground and with the Premier already lost, fourth place almost out of reach and the two cups lost, the Champions League is the only stick the ‘Blues’ can hold on to to save the campaign.
The glimmer of hope for Chelsea is that one of the signings is already the undisputed starter, Enzo Fernández, and another mercenary, Joao Félix, is shining in every minute he plays. There were few for the Portuguese, due to his January exclusion at Craven Cottage, but this weekend he made his debut as a goalscorer and it looks like when Potter has him available he will start him.
Enzo, Mudryk and Joao Félix are the three players Chelsea have decided to target for the ‘Champions’ play-offs, meaning they will have to miss Badiashile. In this way, the union is broken Thiago Silva-Badiashile, who managed to score three clean sheets for Chelsea in the last four games.
Added to this is an endemic attacking problem for those at Stamford Bridge, who have scored just 23 goals in 22 Premier League games, their worst baggage in nearly 20 years in the league. The lack of a striker is bloody, entrusting everything to Kai Havertz, since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also not registered in the Champions League.
In addition, Chelsea comes to this match threatened by yellow cards. If Koulibaly, Mount, Gallagher or Mudryk see a card in Signal Iduna Park, they will miss the round in London.
Source: El heraldo
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
