Leaving Stamford Bridge at just after midnight and there still being supporters just outside the ground singing songs about their club – you know it was a special night.
That it was. It will go down in the history books at Chelsea. Yes, they came into the tie against German giants Borussia Dortmund as favourites, but they were made to work really hard for it and it's no surprise given the current circumstances at the west London club.
In recent weeks, Graham Potter has come under huge pressure. Many supporters want him out. Going on social media after the game, that looks to still be the case but even his biggest doubters can admit he got things right at Stamford Bridge against Dortmund.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund, Kai Havertz, fans, Marc Cucurella
Chelsea came into the second-leg trailing by a goal after Karim Adeyemi won it for the German side a few weeks ago at Signal Iduna Park. There was lots of work to do. At least two goals were needed for the Blues to progress into the last eight of the competition, and for a side that had scored just 25 goals in 28 games since Potter was appointed in September, it was always going to be a tough ask.
However, Chelsea started on the front foot at the Bridge. Some early pressure, and opportunities, ensured the home crowd were doing their best to drown out the noise coming from a deafening away end at what was a yellow-tinted Stamford Bridge thanks to a smoke bomb set off in the Shed End by the travelling fans.
Raheem Sterling, who had started the game in a shaky manner, put Chelsea a goal up on the night in the first-half after his mis-kick fell perfectly to him to smash the ball into the back of the net. It was lift-off, finally, for Chelsea and Stamford Bridge erupted.
Early into the second-half, Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot – at the second time of asking after he hit the post with his first effort that was later pulled back because of encroachment in the box. The German had played so well leading up to the spot-kick and the cooly placed finish was the least he deserved for his efforts.
Chelsea held on and ensured they will be in the pot for the Champions League quarter-final draw. We saw so many positives from a Blues perspective in the second-leg, but what did we learn? football.london's Bobby Vincent gives you the lowdown...
Cucurella fights for his future
Many had written Marc Cucurella off at Chelsea. Fairly? No, not really. The Spaniard has only been at the club a few months and lots has changed since his arrival.
He signed for Thomas Tuchel, let's not forget, and when the German head coach departed, it must've been a shock for Cucurella. Granted, it was his ex-Brighton boss Potter who came in and took charge so it was hardly an unfamiliar face but it's a big change nonetheless.
Potter also spoke recently about how his house had been burgled since his time at Chelsea. Things like that off-the-pitch definitely have an impact on what happens on it.
Cucurella was called upon from the start against Dortmund – much to many's surprise – but he didn't put a foot wrong on the night. Playing on the left-hand side of a back-three instead of Benoit Badiashile, who wasn't selected for the European squad, Cucurella was tremendous and picked up the man of the match award.
"I'm delighted for him," Potter said on Cucurella's performance after the game. "Obviously when you're having a bad time like we've had then you accept the criticism, you have to deal with it.
"Marc has dealt with it well. We've tried to shield him a little bit and at the same time pick the moment. I thought tonight, regardless of the situation, the crowd were going to get behind us because it's the Champions League."
The curious case of Sterling
Sterling once again proved himself on the biggest stage in club football but there is still an overriding feeling of disappointment with his performance. He is so bright at times and some of the positions he takes up between the opposition's midfield and defence are brilliant.
However, a lot of the time his first touch can let him down or his final pass. His decision-making, at times, has been very questionable, too.
We cannot criticise him too much, of course, because he scored – what was eventually – a brilliant opening goal in the thrilling second-leg to really get the game going. That's what he does best. It's what we need to see more of.
That was Sterling's fourth goal under Potter, albeit his time has been limited due to injury. We need to see the England international push on now and really justify the £50million Chelsea splashed out on his services last year.
Chelsea's deadly weapon is back
It's not often we actually get to see two of Chelsea's most dangerous attacking players on the pitch together. Reece James and Ben Chilwell have both struggled so much with injuries in recent times that we should count ourselves fortunate every time we get to witness them on opposite flanks causing havoc.
That's what they did on Tuesday night. Chilwell, more so, with James actually having one of his quieter – but by no means 'bad' – games. Chilwell created the goal for Wesley Fofana on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Leeds United and he did so today for Sterling. Although UEFA may not give him the official assist because it ricocheted off a Dortmund defender before finally falling to Sterling to finish it.
The width, speed and crossing ability both offer is irreplaceable and Potter will be counting his lucky stars both are available right now. Because of their injury record recently, though, the Chelsea head coach will need to be cautious with both and try not to overuse them and cause another problem.
Passionate Potter
So much has been said about Potter since he's arrived at Chelsea. There have been questions over his tactics, his substitutes, how he conducts himself in interviews. We could go on for hours.
One thing that has been brought up multiple times is the lack of passion and emotion on the sideline. That was not the case at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, though. Far from it, in fact.
Potter was visibly trying to get the supporters going at some points in the game, waving his hands in an almost Jurgen Klopp-esque manner. It was refreshing to see. Potter has a long way to go before he wins over the majority of Chelsea supporters, don't get me wrong, but conducting himself like that is a big tick in many's eyes.
"It was a special atmosphere," the Chelsea boss replied when asked about showing his emotions down on the touchline. "It's a passionate evening. Both sets of supporters contributed to that.
"Stamford Bridge was absolutely rocking and our performance helped with that. We pressed high, we tackled well, we tried to attack them. Like I said, all of this against a top team."
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