Dortmund fans storm Stamford Bridge barriers before Chelsea clash as thousands march through streets of London
DORTMUND fans stormed barriers to get into Stamford Bridge ahead of their clash with Chelsea.
The Blues trail 1-0 down from the first leg against the German giants in the Champions League last-16 tie.
But victory over Leeds at the weekend sees Graham Potter and his side head into tonight’s second leg with renewed confidence.
However, the match was DELAYED by ten minutes following the late arrival of the German giants.
They turned up nearly 30 minutes late due to major congestion around Stamford Bridge, which was in part caused by thousands of fans of both teams walking through the streets of West London.
Dortmund’s late arrival left them with less than an hour to prepare for the second leg of the tie – which was delayed by ten minutes.
Supporters were spotted “scrambling over the barriers outside the ground in chaotic scenes” prior to the match.
And an unknown number appear to have gained entry into the stadium without a ticket.
Manager Edin Terezic said of his side’s later arrival: “We had a bit of a delay but we are here and ready to fight for the next round.
“We didn’t know if we would start on time or if there will be a delay to kick off, it is disturbing a lot.”
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The Chelsea team received a warm welcome as home fans let off a blue flare to welcome the team coach to Stamford Bridge.
However, Dortmund are also set to have a huge backing and the capital has already seen them take over.
The thousands of travelling supporters, led by cops, marched through the streets of London towards the ground before kick off as they performed renditions of their favourite anthems.
However, tensions began to mount outside the stadium according to those on the scene as they were held by police before later it emerged a number had stormed the cordons.
Journalist Matt Pearson tweeted a photo of the jam-packed streets and wrote: “Thousands of Borussia Dortmund fans being held behind a police cordon ahead of #CHEBVB.
“Couple of little skirmishes, it’s been a long wait.”
Meanwhile, Potter has made two changes for the showdown.
Reece James returns at right-wing back in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
And Marc Cucurella is starting at left-centre back in place of Benoit Badiashile.
For Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro comes in for Julian Ryerson at left-wing back.
Otherwise, BVB are unchanged following their 2-1 win against RB Leipzig with England star Jude Bellingham starting in midfield for them.
