A late Edinson Cavani goal was enough for PSG to secure a well deserved 2-1 win over Chelsea, after John Obi Mikel had canceled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first half lead for the French side.
On the wake of full-time result, we take a look back at all the key performances on the night in PSG vs Chelsea player ratings. A notable mention must go out to the entire Chelsea defense and keeper Thibaut Courtois, who managed to keep the scoreline in check.
A depleted Chelsea squad traveled to Paris with John Terry and Nemanja Matic missing, however, they returned with head held high and still well alive in the tie.
As for PSG, Marco Verratti ran the show along with Angel Di Maria and Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the attacks with their neat interplay and clever movements. The killer blow came from Cavani (55million man), who came from the bench to score the winner.
PSG Player Ratings vs Chelsea
Trapp (7) – Sensational save from Costa early on and then denied the Spaniard in second half as well.
Marquinhos (5) – Perhaps the weakest link for PSG on the night.
Thiago Silva (5.5) – Showed signs of rustiness, was dragged out of position by Costa on several occassions.
Luiz – (6) – At his tenacious best, got himself booked along the process, but had a decent performance.
Maxwell (6.5) – He grew in the game as second half kicked on, should have had 1-2 assists to his name, only him final balls would have been more accurate.
Motta (6.5) – Heartbeat of this PSG midfield, measured passing throughout the game.
Verratti (7.5) – He was sensational tonight, always controlled the tempo, and passing was outstanding.
Matuidi (6.5) – French footballer of the year did not harm to his growing reputation.
Lucas (7) – Made several darting runs in the box, the way he took on players was sensational.
Di Maria (6.5) – Definitely not the same player who left Old Trafford earlier in the summer, had a purpose to his game, crossing, passes were up to the mark.
Ibrahimovic (6.5) – Had a feeling he would do something tonight, his goal may have come via a deflection but his overall game was superb.
Substitutes
Cavani (6.5) – Crucial winning goal, and his celebration said it all.
Pastore (NA), Rabiot (NA)
PSG 2 Chelsea 1 Player Ratings
Chelsea Player Ratings vs PSG
Courtois (8) – Three match saving and potentially tie-saving interventions to deny Ibra and Co.
Azpilicueta (8) -An inspired performance against Di Maria and Maxwell, was caught out of position just twice in the entire game.
Cahill (8) – Was at the right place at the right time, whenever his team needed to be.
Ivanovic (8) – The leader on the night was the real reason Chelsea managed to concede only 2. Made an emphatic block from Matuidi’s strike in second half.
Baba (7) – Not bad for the most important game of his young career.
Mikel (8) – He literally scored a goal, and was a shield for his defenders.
Fabregas (7.5) – Did a lot coming back to help his side.
Pedro (6.5) – Had a chance at the very to end to draw level, but ended up side-netting. Overall, his performance was filled with energy and vigor.
Hazard (4) – Disgrace to Chelsea on the night, his head was somewhere else it seemed.
Willian (7.5) – This lad has a sense of space and then has the acceleration to run in to those channels.
Diego Costa (7) – His hunger and desire to chase down balls was emphatic, however, he should have buried his header in the first half.
Image credit: getty
