PSG 2-1 Chelsea FC: Five Talking Points

PARIS - FEBRUARY 16: John Obi Mikel of Chelsea in action during during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea FC at Parc des Princes stadium on February 16, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

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Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea FC on February 16, 2016, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. PSG won 2-1. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Early Pressure From PSG

As some would have predicted prior to the match, PSG piled on the pressure early in the contest. With the support of their home fans, the Parisians tried to strike early and often. With multiple match winners in their squad, particularly Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, they were right to try to test the Chelsea defense from the onset, especially considering the changes in central defense.

To Chelsea’s credit, they played as a cohesive defensive unit for most of the first half, frustrating the PSG attack. Ibrahimovic was able to score in the 39^th minute, after his free kick took a deflection off John Obi Mikel. With time running out in the half, the goal would be a sucker punch to the spirit of the players, but the Nigerian would soon make amends.

His goal in stoppage time of the first half was indicative of the Blues surviving the PSG onslaught as they headed into the break with somewhat of an advantage.

Next: 3. Chelsea Show Poise On Counter

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