(Getty)
Paris Saint-Germain showed off their skill in the first leg against Chelsea, dominating possession but skating by with a 2-1 win. Much was made over PSG’s Ligue 1 dominance and the level of competition in France compared to England, but PSG quickly put that to bed with beautiful flowing play. Chelsea had their share of chances, but it was PSG who set the tone and applied the most pressure.
PSG opened the scoring in the first half, when Zlatan’s free kick took a tough deflection off Mikel and into goal. The lead didn’t last long, however, as Mikel was in the right spot off a corner to equalize for Chelsea just ten minutes later.
A draw at halftime was a win for Chelsea, and Guus Hiddink’s men continued to outperform expectations into the second half. Costa, Fabregas and Willian all had strong games, but the lack of quality at the back was too much to overcome.
The turning point came 70 minutes in, when Edinson Cavani came on for Lucas Moura. The Brazilian was having a great game, but Cavani was long overdue to see the field. It didn’t take long for the Argentine to make an impact, as Cavani beat the Chelsea line and nutmegged Courtois only minutes later for the winning goal.
The away goal for Chelsea is huge, and they’ll consider this a victory heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. For information on the return matchup, click here.
Scroll down for info and video highlights from throughout the match:
FINAL
PSG 2, Chelsea 1
FULL TIME: PSG take the first leg vs. Chelsea with a 2-1 win!!! See you at Stamford Bridge for Round 2 #PSGCHE
77′
GOAL!
PSG 2, Chelsea 1
It didn’t take Cavani long to make an impact. The substitute made a great run past the back line, fielded a lobbed pass from Di Maria and struck a low shot near post past Courtois at a difficult angle.
Cavani. This PSG team is wonderful to watch. To have Cavani coming off the bench, what a luxury! #PSGCHE
Yup, onside. Fabulous goal. Well deserved. #PSGCHE
70′
PSG 1, Chelsea 1
Changes to both teams. PSG certainly have the more dangerous subs, but if the score holds many will wonder what took Laurent Blanc so long to get Cavani on the field.
Cavani replaces Lucas Moura. The winger has been a threat throughout. #PSGCHE
64′
PSG 1, Chelsea 1
Chelsea are doing their best to stay alive, staying tight and blocking a blast from Blaise Matuidi. PSG corners are piling up, and Chelsea are once again struggling with possession.
64′ Chance for PSG!! @Ibra_official header is cleared, as is @MATUIDIBlaise‘s follow-up shot from close range on the rebound!! #PSGCHE
A string of Chelsea bodies block Matuidi’s close-range shot after a cross had fallen to the midfielder. #PSGCHE
60′
PSG 1, Chelsea 1
50′
PSG 1, Chelsea 1
PSG have started he second half much like the first, pressuring Chelsea and getting shots on goal. The latest attempt was from di Maria, whose long attempt was tipped away by Courtois.
51′ Chance for PSG!! Di Maria’s long-range shot is deflected over the bar by a diving Courtois!! #PSGCHE
45′
GOAL!
PSG 1, Chelsea 1
Chelsea answer back before halftime! Chelsea bring the pressure after a Willian free kick grants a corner, and a flick by Costa lands to the foot of Mikel.
GOALLLLLLL! MIKELLLLLL! JOHN OBI MIKEL OF ALL PEOPLE! #PSGCHE
39′
GOAL!
PSG 1, Chelsea 0
Ibra strikes first as the PSG pressure finally causes Chelsea to break. Zlatan took a low shot on a free kick just outside the box, and the ball ricocheted off the wall into the opposite direction of Courtois.
GOAL! PSG take the lead. Massive deflection #PSGCHE
33′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
Moura sends a cross right to the head of Zlatan, but he pushes it straight down and it bounces over the goal. Play opening up with almost 10 minutes until halftime.
Zlatan with a big chance, but he heads downwards and the ball bounces over the bar. PSG could do with getting a goal soon. #PSGCHE
28′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
Chelsea aren’t doing too bad here for a mid table Premier league side #PSGCHE
23′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
Chance for Chelsea! Rahman sends a header into Costa, who looked to have scored if not for an incredible save from Kevin Trapp. The PSG Keeper got just enough to send the ball over the crossbar, and PSG were able to clear the danger.
What a save from Kevin Trapp to deny Chelsea taking the lead! #PSGCHE
23′ Kevin Trapp!!!! PSG’s goalie deflects Diego Costa’s header off the crossbar!!!! #PSGCHE
So, so close. And while PSG may have had most of the possession it was the Blues who created the first clear opening. #PSGCHE
20′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
First booking of the night, as Ibra slides into Mikel and is shown a yellow card.
17′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
Chelsea are struggling to hold possession, and Parc des Princes is rocking. Twitter agrees that Chelsea can only keep playing like this for so long:
To keep it 0-0 after a manic 15 minutes, Chelsea has weathered the storm against PSG. Well, the first of several storms. #PSGCHE
Chelsea look so lost here. It’s like their players are waiting for the bus that they were originally planning to park. #PSGCHE
9′
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0
PSG have looked dominant in the opening minutes, controlling possession and making Courtois work. Chelsea are in trouble early.
PSG fans show their support at the Parc des Princes! #PSGCHE
0
Paris Saint Germain 0, Chelsea 0′
One hour until kickoff, and lineups are out. It’s a makeshift back line for Chelsea, with American Matt Miazaga making his Champions League debut as a substitute. Click here to see full lineups for both teams.
