MARC CUCURELLA stunned Chelsea fans as much as Borussia Dortmund by returning to “deliver a masterclass in our biggest game of the season”.
The recalled left-back was Uefa’s player of the match ahead of Chelsea’s goalscorers as the Blues reached the Champions League last eight.
Marc Cucurella was Uefa’s man of the match as Chelsea KO’d DortmundCredit: Getty
Cucurella, right, stepped in for a brilliant display from left-back, as he helped Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Co KO Jude Bellingham’s DortmundCredit: Reuters
Raheem Sterling and Havertz clinched a 2-0 win for a 2-1 aggregate success over the second-placed Bundesliga side.
And Cucurella, as as well as Chelsea supporters, hope this could be a huge turning point for the £62million ex-Brighton hero.
The Spaniard was burgled soon after arriving at Stamford Bridge last August.
And his form has stuttered along with Chelsea’s, even after his former Brighton boss Graham Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel in September.
But fans raved after his lively display against German giants Dortmund.
One said: “Poor performances, heavy price tag, fairly & unfairly criticised, out the squad for 3 games in a row, comes straight into the XI & delivers a masterclass in our biggest game of the season. Marc Cucurella.”
Another posted: “Man of the match today was constantly supporting Chilwell and Koulibaly at the same time.”
A third supporter wrote: “I would have picked Havertz myself but can’t begrudge Cucurella for winning the award.
“Wonderful to see in a difficult season for him on and off the field.”
And despite Chelsea including expensive recruits like Joao Felix and Enzo Fernandez, unsung Blues were singled out too.
Such comments included: “Kovacic and Chilwell were my man of the matches. Kepa was also great.”
Chelsea fans split on what Graham Potter did during Kai Havertz’s retaken penalty against Dortmund
CHELSEA fans were totally divided on what Graham Potter did during Kai Havertz’s retaken penalty.
The Blues forward saw his initial spot-kick thump back off the base of the post before being cleared away.
Graham Potter watched Kai Havertz’s first penalty hit the postCredit: BT Sport
He looked down for the retaken effortCredit: BT Sport
Havertz rolled his retaken effort into the bottom cornerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
However, VAR ordered it to be retaken due to encroaching by the Borussia Dortmund players.
And the German, 23, coolly chose the same technique to slide into the bottom corner and put Chelsea in front on aggregate.
But his manager Potter could not watch and instead looked down at the floor.
The Englishman, 47, told BT Sport: “After the first one I thought I’ll sit down now and listen to the crowd and thankfully the noise was there.
“I didn’t know a massive amount, I knew they had encroached and my assistant is better with the rules than me.
“It was him or Reece, sometimes you have to let the lads on the pitch sort it, we’ve got confidence in Kai.
“I was delighted when I heard the roar, even though I wasn’t watching.
“I’m in awe of anyone who can take penalties, it wasn’t for me.”
Some fans criticised the ex-Brighton chief, accusing him of weak mentality.
One said: “Potter ain’t made out for that club, the guy couldn’t even watch – soft manager.”
Another wrote: “Potter what a p**** he no fit watch the penalty – get this guy out of the club.”
A third added: “Why didn’t Potter watch the penalty, this guy man😭😭”
And a fourth replied: “Graham Potter can’t even bare to watch the penalty – what a chump.”
But others praised Potter and suggested his behaviour proves just how much he cares, especially given the mounting pressure amid the poor run of form.
One said: “Graham Potter couldn’t even bring himself to watch Havertz’s penalty if nothing else that shows you Chelsea results matter to him.”
Another wrote: “Potter couldn’t watch the penalty! For all his faults just goes to show he does care!!”
And an excited third commented: “Potter couldn’t watch because he was that nervous, proper Chels. Give this man another five-year deal and give him a statue
“Masterclass is happening right in our very eyes, the turtle neck has yet again done magic.”
Potter was soon celebrating, though, as Havertz stuck in what proved to be the winning goal in the last-16 tie.
And he was absolutely delighted as he congratulated his players and applauded the fans after the full-time whistle as the major win secured Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals.
Potter let the emotion out after full-timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The under-pressure Chelsea manager booked a quarter-final spot
