PSG vs Chelsea: Match Report

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PSG 1-1 Chelsea - Report

PSG (4-3-3): Sirigu 6.5; Van der Wiel 6, Marquinhos 5.5, Thiago Silva 6, Maxwell 6; Verratti 6.5; David Luiz 6.5; Matuidi 6.5; Lavezzi 6.5 (Pastore 81), Ibrahimovic 6.5; Cavani 7

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Courtois 7.5; Ivanovic 6, Cahill 5.5, Terry 7, Azpilicueta 6.5; Ramires 6.5, Matic 7; Willian 6 (Cuadrado 79), Fabregas 7 (Oscar 83), Hazard 6; Diego Costa 6 (Remy 81)

Chelsea must be feeling déjà vu as once again they return from Paris with a crucial away goal. Branislav Ivanovic gave the Blues an edge into this two legged fixture before his goal got cancelled out by a fine strike from Edinson Cavani.

Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas returned to the starting lineup but had a below par outing. Juan Cuadrado made his UCL debut for the Blues and was effective in the last ten minutes.

It was a typical round of 16 tie where both the teams were cautious in the initial stages with the home team having that upper hand. Till Ivanovic got a goal against the run of play, the goal gave Chelsea an advantage not only in the match but also in the tie. It shook Le Parisians and they upped the ante.

Thibaut Courtois was the hero for the visitors as he held his own against the barrage of attacks which breached the defense in front of him time and again. Finally in 54^th minute, Courtois got beat by a fine strike from Cavani. The Uruguyan must be kicking himself for wasting plethora of opportunities in the first half. His goal gave PSG a way back in the game but Courtois stood firm to deny the hosts all the three points.

PSG will travel to Stamford Bridge in three weeks’ time for the return leg, till then it’s advantage Chelsea.