Edison Cavani was the hreo in Paris as he scored the winner to give PSG a hard-fought victory over Chelsea last night.
The Champions League returned for the knockout edition at the Parc des Princes with the home side going after Chelsea in the first 15 minutes like a side who were chasing an equaliser in cup final injury-time.
PSG seemed to think that this English side could be pushed over quickly and they went at Chelsea hard. Cahill had to launch himself into an early tackle on Moura. Marco Verratti had a good shot saved, Ibrahimovic struck a free-kick over the bar.
The breakthrough came six minutes before the break when Mikel fouled Moura, and was booked. Ibrahimovic struck the free-kick through Chelsea’s flaky wall, clipping Mikel, who had turned his back, and wrong-footing Courtois.
Chelsea responded well and equalised with almost the last kick of the half. They pushed hard to win two straight corners, the second of which was badly defended by PSG and Costa’s run opened up the space for Mikel to score from close range.
PSG were not to be denied in the end and the winning goal was from yet another fine ball through the centre from Di Maria. This one was chipped into the right channel where Cavani, fresh to the game, fired the ball back through the legs of Courtois who had come out to narrow down the striker’s options. PSG wanted more goals and Chelsea had to be at their most determined to hang in the tie.
John Obi Mikel’s goal is one to give the embattled, deposed Chelsea of 2015-2016 a glimmer of hope when they face the new new-money of European football in London next month.