Tuesday at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea overcome Borussia Dortmund by a 2-0 score to advance 2-1 on aggregate to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, preserving their season.
Graham Potter was relieved of the burden after goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz, who converted two penalties.
The English manager's position was in jeopardy following a season that had thus far failed to pay off a record-breaking injection of more than £500 million ($600 million) in recruits in one season.
Chelsea had only won three of their previous 16 games, which caused them to drop to a tenth-place finish in the Premier League, and exit both domestic cup competitions early.
Did you read this?
Yet, a few of their costly star lineup arrived in time to help them continue their bid for a third European Cup.
"The dressing room was filled with a wonderful energy. We've had a difficult time, so this tournament means a lot to us," added Potter.
"We wanted to advance and reach the final eight, and it positions us for the next weeks."
Dortmund had a 10-game winning streak in all competitions when they came to England.
Except for a spectacular save by Kepa Arrizabalaga on a free-kick by Marco Reus, the visitors could have offered a danger offensively in the opening period.
Edin Terzic, Dortmund's manager, declared that Chelsea deserved to advance after two games.
"The games were reasonably close in both legs. These games all come down to millimetres and split-second decisions regarding whether you advance".
At the other end, chances constantly came and went. After hitting a volley off the inside of the post and the underside of the bar, Havertz finally scored, but the goal was cancelled due to Sterling's previous offside.
Ben Chilwell's free kick presented Kalidou Koulibaly with an opportunity to score, but he mishandled it, and Felix's follow-up shot could not go through.
On the sidelines, Potter was surprisingly passionate as he continually energized the crowd to keep pushing his team forward.
"The conclusion contains a lot of emotion, Potter continued. "The boys played seriously, but it was stressful in the end".
"I'm thrilled for them to win, and it's terrific for everyone here," I said.
Three minutes before halftime, the home crowd could finally rejoice.
Sterling Comes Good -
After swiping and missing Chilwell's low cross, Sterling's initial effort was also one to forget. Nevertheless, the England international collected himself before dribbling past Reus and shooting high into the goal.
Although I made a slight error with my initial touch, it landed brilliantly and helped us to improve, said Sterling.
Chelsea has scored only three goals in the past eight games.
Potter's team scored twice for the first time since December 27 thanks to Havertz's penalty early in the second half, but the German international required two extra-point attempts to make an impact.
Havertz's initial penalty rebounded off the post, but VAR again saved Chelsea by punishing Dortmund for encroaching farther.
There was no second chance as Havertz coolly slid the ball into the same corner of the net in the same manner.
Given that Jude Bellingham, a midfielder for Dortmund, is anticipated to have his pick of the best teams in Europe this summer, Chelsea's buying binge may have eliminated them from consideration for the player.
On returning to England, Bellingham side-footed wide from close range, squandering Dortmund's best opportunity to force extra time.
-1732277552.jpg)
