UCL: PSG hand Chelsea a tough task

Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday spanked Chelsea 5-2 in the UEFA Champions League round first leg at Parc des Princes.

The defending champions have given themselves a breather with this performance, which sees them score three goals in the second half, with a man-of-the-match performance from Kravest, who scored a brace against the Blues.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made a huge impact off the bench with two goals and an assist. 

Barcola gave PSG the lead inside ten minutes, smashing the strike from a cut back before Chelsea levelled with a low Malo Gusto shot.

Ousmane Dembélé then restored their lead through a counterattack before half-time.

Chelsea restored parity through Enzo Fernandez before a costly error by Filip Jorgensen sparked a late collapse for the Blues.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s double gave PSG a three‑goal lead going into next week’s Champions League last-16 second leg in a match that Chelsea had matched them, bringing the score back to 2‑2, but Jorgensen’s pass straight to PSG’s Bradley Barcola before being lobbed by Vitinha let the European champions restore their lead for the third time.

Chelsea thought they had levelled the tie for the third time, but the assistant referee’s flag was already up for offside before the in-form striker Joao Pedro scored. 

The goal was chalked off because Enzo Fernández had earlier touched the ball when running back from an offside position.

After Kvaratskhelia curled a wonderful strike from the edge of the box for the fourth goal, the Georgian international gave Chelsea a mountain to climb by making it 5-2 with a sidefooted finish with virtually the last kick of the match.

The visitors were in their own predicament, having held the Paris club and having 15 minutes to complete the tie, which gave an edge in the second leg. 

They would have been delighted with their efforts, but two late goals from the Paris club have put the European champions as massive favourites to get into the quarter-finals.

With three goals to defeat, Liam Rosenior’s men need a very special night at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday in the second leg to secure a quarter-final ticket.