Stadium: Drogba Arena, London
Competition: UEFA Champions League League Phase
Attendance: 82,381
Chelsea 4–2 Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League with a convincing 4–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, producing a dominant first-half performance and showing depth in their attacking options once again. Netanel Sahar and McKauley Civzelis led the way as the Blues took a commanding early lead, while debutant José Francisco Landeira capped off the win with a late goal from the penalty spot.
First-Half Domination
The game was effectively won in the first half. Chelsea wasted no time, opening the scoring through Netanel Sahar in the 12th minute. The Israeli forward met Burak Coşkun’s low cross with a fine header from close range. Just over ten minutes later, McKauley Civzelis made it 2–0 with a powerful header of his own from a corner routine, reinforcing his growing status as a key presence in Chelsea’s back line.
There were further chances for Chelsea to extend their lead, with Luther Banton and Sahar again coming close, while Dortmund looked shell-shocked and barely registered a chance before the interval.
Dortmund Fight Back
After the break, Borussia Dortmund came out with greater intent. Their efforts were rewarded when Andreas Altenhöfer lashed a powerful volley into the net from a C. Schimmel assist in the 51st minute. The goal gave the German side a glimmer of hope and briefly sparked them into life.
However, Chelsea’s control of possession and midfield dominance through Chancel Beya and Civzelis continued to suffocate Dortmund’s attempts to build momentum. Zain Whatmough capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 82nd minute to restore Chelsea’s two-goal cushion with a calm finish into the bottom right corner.
Landeira’s Dream Debut
The moment of the night came from José Francisco Landeira, making his debut for Chelsea. After replacing Jenkins in the 86th minute, the midfielder confidently stepped up to convert a penalty just minutes later, having earned the spot kick himself after a foul by Ivan Garrido. Though his initial shot hit the post, he reacted first to the rebound and slotted home to send Drogba Arena into celebration.
Dortmund scored a late consolation in the 96th minute, again through Altenhöfer, but it was too little too late as Chelsea took all three points.
Key Stats
- Shots: Chelsea 11 (9 on target), Dortmund 6 (5 on target)
- xG: Chelsea 2.45, Dortmund 1.56
- Possession: Chelsea 52%, Dortmund 48%
- Player of the Match: Colin Schimmel (Borussia Dortmund) – 8.0 rating, 1 assist
Quotes & Reactions
“It’s a proud night for the squad. We kept our shape, punished their errors, and delivered when it mattered,” said Chelsea head coach Calin Dimario post-match. “I’m especially happy for Landeira – it’s not easy to come into a high-stakes match like this and deliver.”
Chelsea fans will be thrilled with this performance as the Blues continue their 100% start in Europe. Meanwhile, Dortmund will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid further damage to their Champions League campaign.