The much awaited Round of 16 clash between two European giants PSG and Chelsea did stand to its expectations. Both teams fought hard with PSG dominating at spells during their 1-1 draw at Parc de Princes in Paris.
Before the game started there was chaos with French police reportedly using teargas outside the match venue amid scuffles involving Chelsea fans before the game.
Ignoring all the off-the-field issues, here we bring you the five things we learnt from the PSG versus Chelsea match –
1. Chelsea have the best scoring defence –
The Blues have the best defence in terms of scoring the goals in UEFA member leagues. Their defenders scored a massive 14 goals together so far this season which is better than any other team in entire Europe. The goal that was managed by Chelsea in Parc de Princes was mainly because of the three defenders involved. Initially Terry crossed the ball to Cahill and Cahill flicked the ball with his boot and Ivanovic met the ball with his head. It is very rare such goal occurs where all the players involved are defenders.
2. Eden Hazard is the engine for Chelsea’s attack –
The flamboyant winger does something every time he gets the ball. He is accurate with passing in the final third and but PSG managed to nullify the Hazard effect to an extent. He was mostly fouled during the game and due to his pace and dribbling, the others were able to run free throughout the match. PSG were unable to stop Hazard unless they fouled him.
3. Thibaut Courtois is world class as usual –
Chelsea has two of the World’s top keepers and it is hard to choose for Jose Mourinho. He opted for Thibaut against PSG and it paid dividends for Chelsea and Mourinho as he was rock solid at the back. The lone goal of Cavani was mainly due to the inability of Chelsea’s defense to mark the player despite 7 players being in the penalty area. He made some world class saves which assured that Chelsea have a little advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next month.
4. Edison Cavani is under-rated –
Edison Cavani, the mercurial striker who plays second-fiddle to main striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG is making name to himself this season. Often playing in out of position, Cavani has been instrumental in PSG’s progress in Champions League. He is now third highest scorer in Champions League this season behind Luiz Adriano and Lionel Messi.
5. The Tie is evenly poised –
Given the way PSG have dominated the game, there are very good chances we might get another blockbuster of a match at Stamford bridge next month. With PSG being knocked out only after 86th minute winner last season at Stamford Bridge, we can expect a similar match in this season as well. With 1-1 aggregate, the tie may tilt a little towards Chelsea given their record at Stamford Bridge but with the likes of Zlatan and Cavani anything is possible.