March 11, (THEWILL) — Paris Saint-Germain defeated Chelsea 5-2 in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg at Parc des Princes, leaving Liam Rosenior’s side facing a three-goal deficit ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro squandered a fourth-minute opening from Reece James’ delivery, but PSG broke the deadlock 10 minutes later when Joao Neves nodded down Ousmane Dembele’s cross for Bradley Barcola to thump a half-volley into the roof of the net.
Dembele struck the woodwork shortly after before Chelsea responded, Enzo Fernandez teeing up Malo Gusto to slide a low finish beneath Matvey Safonov in the 28th minute.
PSG moved back in front before the interval when Desire Doue sent Dembele clear of Wesley Fofana to drive into the bottom-left corner.
Pedro Neto’s cutback allowed Fernandez to restore parity in the 57th minute, but a costly Filip Jorgensen error handed to Kvaratskhelia through Barcola’s interception, and Vitinha lobbed the stranded Chelsea goalkeeper coolly in the 74th minute to put the hosts ahead once more.
Joao Pedro had a goal disallowed for offside before substitute Kvaratskhelia settled the contest.
He cut infield and drove into the top-right corner, then swept home Achraf Hakimi’s low cutback in stoppage time to complete a victory that has put PSG firmly in control of the tie.
Chelsea must produce a three-goal turnaround at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to keep their UCL aspirations alive.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
