PSG may have won the game last night but in all honesty, Chelsea would be the happier of two sides after first leg of Champions League 2015/16 round of 16 tie between two teams ended in a 2-1 win for the French giants.
Goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani were enough for Les Rouge-et-Bleu to have a slender advantage going in to the second leg at Stamford Bridge in about 3 weeks’ time. Chelsea’s vital away goal came from John Obi Mikel right on the half-time mark.
The tie is very much alive with both teams being fully aware of what it takes them through to the quarter finals. As the game at Parc de Princes ended in mixed emotions for the teams, we take a look at things we learned and key talking points from PSG’s 2-1 win over Chelsea last night.
Zlatan’s big performance when it mattered
Often Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes missing when big games comes around. Only 7 of his previous 45 Champions League have come in knock-out rounds. Last night was his big test, and he passed it with distinction. His goal may have been lucky, but the performance was sublime.
Chelsea have the slender advantage for second leg
Despite getting beat, Chelsea hold the advantage though John Obi Mikel’s away goal on the stroke of half-time. Mikel’s goal means that Blues will have need a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in 3 weeks’ time to go through to the next round of Champions League. It won’t be easy, but surely it is not beyond them either.
Eden Hazard was a disgrace to Chelsea last night
In one of Chelsea’s finest Champions League performances in recent times, Hazard was a total disaster. His movements, dribbles, crosses, first touch were hurried by PSG and he looked nervous while taking on defenders. To make matters worse, Oscar came on and played a much better game than his Belgian teammate.
Angel Di Maria has left Man United woes behind him
The Angel Di Maria we witnessed last night was a completely different player than what we saw about 6-7 months back at Old Trafford. The Argentine was everywhere (left wing, right wing, number 10) and dominated Chelsea’s defense throughout the 90 minutes.
Having scored 13 goals and after 11 assists, people are saying that he could win French footballer of the year award. That would not be a pretty sight for Man United fans to witness, wouldn’t it?
Branislav Ivanovic looked comfortable in central defense
It was almost like “Back to the Past” for Ivanovic and Azpilicueta, who played in their natural positions after John Terry’s hamstring injury ruled him out of the game. Fair to say, Ivanovic was instrumental in keeping the score to only 2-1.
The Serbian was everywhere making tackles and clearing balls with his head and feet. He looked more at ease dealing players with his back turned to goal, rather than chasing trciky wingers and matching up their pace.
Image credit: getty