Graham Potter hails Chelsea for reaching last 16 of Champions League after RB Salzburg win

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has lauded his side for reaching the Champions League last 16 after their win against RB Salzburg.

The Blues were 2-1 winners against their Austrian opponents on Tuesday night, with the result ensuring that they have reached the next stage of the competition.

Goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz were enough to seal the victory, despite an equaliser from Junior Adamu shortly after the break.

Potter was in charge of his ninth game as head coach at Chelsea, with the 47-year-old still unbeaten during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

After the win against Salzburg, he praised his side for their efforts away from home.

When asked if he was satisfied with the performance on the night via football.london, he said: “Very. It’s not easy to win here as you can see from the record they have and the quality of the team.

“We had to play well and I thought we did. We created some good chances in the first half and were unlucky not to go more than 1-0 up.

"Then one action, with the quality at this level, and it’s 1-1. I thought our response was really good then so I am delighted to go through, delighted with the performance of the players: I thought they were fantastic tonight.

“To go through with a game to spare is brilliant considering where we started the competition.”

Potter also commented on Havertz’s goal, which proved to be a crucial strike as Chelsea went on to secure the win.

“His quality is there; he’s an incredibly talented player,” said the head coach.

“He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help. I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine!

“It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has. So I’m really pleased for him.”

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The Blues took the lead against Salzburg after 23 minutes, with Kovacic firing the visitors ahead from the edge of the area with a superb left-footed effort.

Chelsea had chances to double their lead before the break, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing a huge chance to make it 2-0.

Soon after the start of the second half Salzburg found an equaliser through Adamu, who was able to net from inside the area on the break.

However, Havertz restored Chelsea’s lead with a curling strike from range, the German’s second goal of the season.

Potter’s side are now through to the knockout stages of the competition for the fourth consecutive campaign.

They will compete in the last 16 in the early weeks of next year.