UCL Round of 16: Borussia Dortmund edges Chelsea in first-ever meeting

Borussia Dortmund landed a first significant blow as they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash at the Signal Iduna Park. German forward Karim Adeyemi scored the winner for the home side in the clash.

Having been drawn against each other, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund faced each other for the first time in their history. Both sides were on different runs of form coming into the match. While the German side had recorded seven straight wins in 2023, while Chelsea had picked up only one win in eight this year.

Chelsea had the better openings in the first half as Joao Felix spurned two good chances in seven minutes.

First, the Portuguese forward played a one-two with Hakim Ziyech and received the ball in the box before unleashing an effort that went agonisingly high. Next, he received a pass from Kai Havertz in the box and took a nice touch before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and onto the crossbar.

The Blues ended the half strongly and started the second half on the front foot, repeatedly testing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, but the Swiss international was equal to their attempts.

From a Chelsea corner, Borussia Dortmund took the lead following a blistering counter. The 21-year-old Adeyemi was sent through by Raphael Guerreiro after Chelsea failed to convert a corner. With Enzo Fernandez the only Chelsea player in their half, the pacey Adeyemi motored past him before going round the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the net in the 63rd minute.

Chelsea nearly found an equaliser after a Kalidou Koulibaly shot squirmed past Kobel, only for Emre Can to clear the ball off the line. The goalkeeper pulled off further saves from Felix and Fernandez, helping his side keep a clean sheet at home.

Borussia Dortmund will take a vital lead into the second leg clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 7th.