The clouds have parted over Stamford Bridge - at least for now. Having not won two games in a row since October, or scored twice in a game since October or scored an open play goal at home since 2022, the second-leg revival against Borussia Dortmund allowed for party time to ensue at SW6 once more.
Having played well but fallen short in Germany, the Blues continued to tread a similar path in the first half, missing several crucial chances to level the game on aggregate, Raheem Sterling's strike changed the atmosphere. The Stamford Bridge roar was back. Kai Havertz's penalty drama eventually sealed progression in the most Chelsea way of all.
It had the makings of a special night from the start, really. Rarely do SW6 matchgoers greet their players - especially underperforming ones - with a reception like that of Tuesday night. The crowds down the Fulham Road actually delayed the visitors from arriving, resulting in a ten-minute kick-off setback, such was the atmsophere created by keen supporters.
