Chelsea FC Fall to Paris Saint-Germain 3-1
Courtesy Hugo Passarello Luna
Chelsea FC would try to put league disappointment behind them as they traveled to France to take on Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. Going in, the tie seemed to be one of the most enticing, with both teams fielding quality players, and experienced coaches.
PSG started the game off on the front foot, seemingly playing as enthused as their home fans were. With the Chelsea defense scrambling, PSG saw a chance to take an early lead, and they took it well. John Terry was able to get his head onto a Blaise Matuidi cross, but couldn’t get enough on the clearance. This allowed Ezequiel Lavezzi to chest the ball down, and send a strike towards Petr Cech’s goal. While his shot did hit the crossbar, Chelsea could not be saved, and were down 1-0 after just four minutes of play.
After absorbing the early pressure, Chelsea struck back. Willian sprinted down the right flank, and provided a cutback for Oscar. Thiago Silva interrupted Oscar getting possession of the ball, but his challenge was deemed a foul and was inside the penalty area. Eden Hazard stepped up and put Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way, making the game 1-1 after 26 minutes.
Both teams would challenge later in the half, but to no avail. It was again Lavezzi who tested Cech with a half volley, but Cech got down and made the save. Hazard had Sirigu beat after a beautiful volley inside the penalty area, but his wonder goal was denied by the goalpost.
A major talking point from the first half was the official setting the tone early. He called a tight game, with the likes of Ramires, Willian, and Alex all getting cautioned in the first half.
The teams headed to the locker rooms knowing that the next goal would be massive. If Chelsea could earn a 2-1 road victory, they would be in excellent shape for the return match at Stamford Bridge. If PSG were able to claim a 2-1 victory, they’d know that one away goal could seal the fate of the Blues.
In the second half PSG would come out a rejuvenated side, and put themselves in a great position to advance in the tie.
They would start the scoring in the 61st minute. Lavezzi sent in a dangerous ball from a free kick, that eventually didn’t touch any of his teammates. Unfortunately for Chelsea fans it was in fact David Luiz getting the final touch that sent the ball past Cech.
PSG weren’t done either. Just as it seemed the Blues would leave Paris with a doable 2-1 deficit, substitute Javier Pastore added to the lead. After using a nice bit of skill to beat two Chelsea defenders down the goal line, Pastore darted towards goal, and beat Cech near post. Just like that it was 3-1 to Les Parisiens.
After a disappointing weekend in the Barclay’s Premier League, Chelsea fans will surely be further angered by a 3-1 defeat, just when it seemed as if they would be able to escape 3-1. With the return leg in less than a week, Mourinho will have to quickly put in place a plan to overcome their deficit. The Blues have more than enough quality to do so, but it will take a team effort next Tuesday to advance in the UEFA Champions League.
Man of the Match – Blaise Matuidi put in an excellent shift, controlling his midfield area and creating chances in the opponents third.
Follow us on Twitter at @PrideOLondon
Like us on Facebook at The Pride of London