Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
It would be deja vu for fans of Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain as the sides met again in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Like last season, the first leg took place in Paris, and the second leg will take place at Stamford Bridge. The Blues would face a very similar starting XI as the one they faced last year, with the one major difference being former Chelsea man David Luiz featuring for the Parisians.
In the past, Jose Mourinho had set his side up in a more defensive shape for “bigger” games, but Chelsea looked set to match the intensity of PSG from the start. Chelsea controlled the ball well, and tried to employ a patient attack once in the final third.
PSG got the first clear-cut chances of the game in the 10th minute. First, Blaise Matuidi sent a powerful header toward goal, but was stopped brilliantly by Thibaut Courtois. Just seconds after that Zlatan Ibrahimovic used his big frame to get another header on goal, but was met by Courtois.
By the midway point of the first half, it could be said that PSG were the better side, but the Chelsea defense, particularly Courtois, had put in a top notch performance to that point.
PSG again had a near chance when Edinson Cavani’s near post header was saved spectacularly by Courtois.
In the 36th minute, Chelsea would find the breakthrough, with Branislav Ivanovic again being the man of the moment. John Terry’s hopeful ball into the box was flicked on by Gary Cahill. Ivanovic found the ball, and headed past Salvatore Sirigu to give Chelsea the lead.
Most of the first half was a defensive affair, until the Ivanovic goal. Many will argue that a Mourinho team won’t let the precious goal advantage slip away, but last season in this fixture the Blues had a respectable 1-1 away result, only to concede twice and went back home with a 3-1 deficit. PSG certainly had the firepower to score multiple goals in the second half, and Chelsea must maintain focus to come away with a good result.
PSG would open their scoring in the 54th minute through Cavani. Matuidi made an overlapping run down the left side, and was able to get off a cross unchallenged. Cavani split the defense, and was able to beat Courtois far post. With the score now level, the Parisians would surely be looking to grab the go ahead goal.
PSG continued the pressure in the 60th minute. Ibrahimovic was through on goal, but had his effort parried by Courtois and with an open net, Matuidi’s shot was blocked by Cesar Azpilicueta denying PSG of a sure goal.
In the later stages of the half Juan Cuadrado and Loic Remy were introduced to the game. This was done to give Chelsea a bit more pure pace from their attackers, and force PSG to adapt to a different dynamic.
Cavani again was involved in a scoring opportunity in the 80th minute. The forward had a clear chance on goal, but sent his shot wide of the far post, where it went out for a goal kick.
The home team had once last chance when Ibrahimovic once again got a header on target, but was stopped by Courtois.
In the end, the game finished at 1-1, a respectable result for Chelsea, considering the same fixture last season was a 3-1 loss. Chelsea fans will have Thibaut Courtois to thank, after he made some heroic saves that kept PSG at bay. With the scoreline even going into the second leg, Chelsea now know a home win or clean sheet will put them through to the next round.
MOTM: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian was the clear man of the match after he made multiple saves that kept PSG from claiming a commanding lead.