Chelsea FC would play hosts to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League fixture. Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and will be looking to take advantage of a crucial away goal. A scoreless draw would see Chelsea through to the next round, a 1-1 draw would put the game into extra time, any other result would need to be a Chelsea victory.
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Jose Mourinho would be pleased to have Nemanja Matic back for such an important fixture, as his defensive capabilities would be needed against a potent PSG attack. Ramires would also step into the wide midfielder position, presumably acting as a defensive winger on the right side. Gary Cahill would start in central defense for the talented, but inexperienced Kurt Zouma.
The opening stages of the game proved to be an end-to-end affair. PSG pressed forward knowing a goal would put immense pressure on the hosts, but Chelsea also knew a early goal of their own would put the onus on PSG to chase the game for a long period of time.
Chelsea found most of their attacks coming down the left hand side, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa combining to give the Parisians nightmares. Though they couldn’t get a goal out of it, the Blues had clearly found a weak spot in the PSG defense.
The biggest talking point of the first half came with a half hour gone, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off for a reckless challenge on Oscar. The forward dove in two footed, and left the official no choice but to give him his marching orders. In the aftermath Thiago Motta was given a yellow card for his reaction to the sending off.
Another big decision came towards the end of the first half, when Chelsea’s penalty shouts for a trip of Costa inside the box were denied. Edinson Cavani had seemed to impede the forwards progress, but no call was given.
While the beginning of the first half was marked by good play from both sides, the end of the half was centered around the officiating. Referee Bjorn Kuiper decisions, both the sending off and the denial of a penalty will certainly impact the result of the game. With Chelsea having a man advantage, the have the ability to either push on for a goal, or set up a defensive shape and try to frustrate their opponents.
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PSG had a golden opportunity in the 58th minute, with Cavani having a chance to give his team a huge 1-0 lead. He was through on goal, and went around Thibaut Courtois. His run and made the angle tight, but he still couldn’t finish on an open net. Chelsea could count themselves very lucky after that miss.
Even with the man advantage, Chelsea had trouble breaking down the PSG defense, and when possession was lost, the visitors were able to launch a couple of dangerous counter attacks. They had twice the number of chances as Chelsea halfway through the second half.
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Courtois was called upon in the 70th minute to keep the game scoreless. Javier Pastore got a shot on target inside the box, but the Belgian was equal to the task, and kept his eam in pole position.
In the 80th minute, a huge sigh of relief was let out around Stamford Bridge, as Gary Cahill put Chelsea up 1-0. PSG were unable to clear a corner earned by Ramires. The ball fell to Cahill, who struck it on the volley and blasted the ball past Salavtore Sirigu.
PSG would strike back in the 84th minute, through none other than David Luiz. The former Chelsea man made a near post run, and sent a powerful header off the underside of the crossbar, and into the back of the net. At 1-1, the game would go into extra time if the score stood.
A few late Chelsea attacks didn’t amount to anything, and the game would indeed go into extra time. With PSG looking the more dangerous team in the second half, Chelsea fans would no doubt be nervous about the possibility of defeat in extra time, or on penalties.
Another game changing call in the 95th minute, a penalty given for a Thiago Silva handball inside the box. Eden Hazard stepped up to the spot, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper, putting the Blues back in front 2-1. This scoreline would see Chelsea through to the last eight.
The Hazard goal gave Chelsea an advantage which they needed to hold on for just 15 more minutes in order to advance.
In the 114th minute Thiago Silva would get redemption, and likely end his team through with an unstoppable far post header. At 2-2, Chelsea would need a winner to advance.
The game would finish at 2-2, and Chelsea FC will not continue in UEFA Champions League Play. Chelsea fans will surely be disappointed considering the circumstances surrounding the match. The Blues will now focus soley on the Barclay’s Premier League.
MOTM: Thiago Silva – Silva got the ultimate redemption for his penalty by scoring the equalizer late on in extra time. His goal secured PSG’s spot in the final eight.