Edinson Cavani came off the bench to score the winner for Paris St-Germain as they won 2-1 at the Parc de Princes. PSG will take their slight advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on March 9th.
The hosts went ahead after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s free-kick went in off a deflection from John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder redeemed himself just before half-time scoring a precious away goal. Mikel slotted home a well-deserved equaliser from six yards to capitalise on poor defending from PSG.
This was one of Chelsea’s best performances of the season and their defensive work looked to have earned them a draw before substitute Cavani perfectly timed his run and fired home from Angel di Maria’s pass. The Uruguayan coolly slotted home through Courtois’ legs to give PSG a slender advantage.
Chelsea are still very much in contention thanks to Mikel’s goal, with the second leg to come. Here we will rate the performances of the Chelsea team.
Thibaut Courtios – 6/10
The goalkeeper could do nothing about the first goal, however he rushed out of his line for Cavaini’s goal making it easier for the striker, whereas if he had stayed on his line, Cavani would have had to take a touch and the chance may have gone.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
‘Dave’ as his Chelsea teammates call him, is usually a left-back, however due to recent injuries he was deployed at right-back and he played a good game.
Gary Cahill – 6/10
The centre-back made some good tackles and interceptions, however, he was unable to stop Cavani’s excellent run for the win.
Branislav Ivanovic – 6/10
The captain made a brilliant block from Matuidi to stop what would surely have been a goal, however, he was also unaware of Cavani’s perfect winding run.
Baba Rahman – 6/10
The left-back was starting the most important game of his career so far. He had a solid performance and looks to be a promising future player for Chelsea.
John Obi Mikel – 7/10
The midfielder was at fault for the first goal as he turned his back on Ibrahimovic’s free-kick and the ball deflected in off his boot. He redeemed himself to score the equaliser and an important away goal and gave another performance which looks to have reignited his Chelsea career.
Cesc Fabregas 7/10
Fabregas did a lot of defensive work with PSG having more possession. He did a decent job helping to contain Ibrahimovic and his teammates.
Pedro 6/10
The Chelsea winger produced some good runs and delivered some decent crosses but failed to have much of an impact on the game.
Willian 7/10
Once again Willian was one of Chelsea’s best players. The Brazilian always puts in a good shift for the team and helped to carve out some decent chances, he also provided the corner for Mikel’s equaliser.
Eden Hazard 6/10
Hazard has been linked with PSG recently but his performance tonight didn’t do much for him. The Belgian didn’t create many chances and was substituted for Oscar in the 71st minute. He made some good runs but failed to have an impact on the game.
Diego Costa – 6/10
Costa missed a brilliant opportunity to put Chelsea 1-0 up in the first half. His header was somehow saved by Trapp who managed to put his hand on it and deflect it onto the bar. The game could have finished very differently if Costa took his chance.
Substitutes
Oscar – 6/10
Oscar played well when he came on for Hazard. He missed a decent chance just before Cavani scored the winner, but PSG goalkeeper Trapp managed to make a good save.