The Champions League round of 16 tie between Paris St. Germain and Chelsea ended with PSG taking the first round, albeit very narrowly. Goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani ensured that PSG take a slender lead moving into the second leg of the competition against Chelsea.
We look at the player performances at the Parc des Princes tonight in this enthralling clash.
PSG
Kevin Trapp – 7.5/10
Hardly had to do anything throughout the night as attempts on goal from Chelsea were restricted to a minimum. Came up when called upon however, denying Diego Costa the opener with a superb reflex save.
Marquinhos – 7/10
The Brazilian has already earned huge praise for his defensive presence. Tonight he also put out his offensive arsenal for all to see.
Thiago Silva – 7/10
The entire backline looked up to him and the Brazilian didn’t disappoint yet again. Even during spells when Chelsea looked threatening, the PSG back four was rock solid due his calm presence.
David Luiz – 6.5/10
The Brazilian has seen busier nights at the back playing against his former club. However, was booked for his troubles.
Maxwell – 7/10
Gave Chelsea headaches gong forward time and again on the left flank on the overlap. His never stuttering engine and movement gave Chelsea a cause for trouble throughout the 90 minutes.
Marco Verratti – 8/10
Showed why the Italian is sought after in European football. His calmness on the ball helped Laurent Blanc’s men dominate the midfield. Was class throughout.
Thiago Motta – 8/10
Was a great complement to Veratti in the middle of the park. Kept things ticking over and helped PSG play at their own pace.
Blaise Matuidi – 8.5/10
The Frenchman was here there and everywhere for PSG. The French champion’s main man again showed why he is so highly regarded.
Lucas Moura – 7/10
Started the game with a real fervour but faded away. His movement and masquerading direct runs caused Chelsea some real headaches in the opening minutes. Got booked for a professional foul on Baba Rehman.
Angel Di Maria – 7/10
The Argentine seems to be starting to find his flair back again in France. But never quite had the kind of impact he would have liked in this one.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7/10
Scored the all-important first goal, albeit via a wicked deflection. Missed a great chance though to open the scoring for the game, heading a great opportunity into the ground and over the top.
Subs
Edinson Cavani – 7/10
Inspired substitution off the bench. Showed his striker’s instinct to secure the win for PSG in the 76th minute.
Adrien Rabiot – NA
Came on for Verratti late on.
Javier Pastore – NA
Was given a late 10 min run-in.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The busier of the two keepers. The Belgian pulled off many saves throughout the ninety, but should have done better to deny Cavani the winner.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
Slotted in at right-back today to adjust for John Terry’s absence. Made a vital read and interception to deny Lucas Moura in the first-half. However, with Moura and Maxwell gunning down PSG’s left, he had a tough time.
Gary Cahill – 7.5/10
With John Terry missing, Gary Cahill had to really step and he did that in grand fashion, keeping Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet for the majority of the night.
Branislav Ivanovic – 8/10
Chelsea’s captain for the night came up big when required. The Serbian helped keep things quiet for most of the night through the middle.
Baba Rahman – 7.5/10
The inexperienced signing from Augsburg got a rare start from Guus Hiddink but never looked ill at ease in the big match environment. The youngster can be well pleased with his contribution.
Cesc Fabregas – 6.5/10
Had the most touches of any Chelsea player and helped them looked threatening in spells. But his work-rate and discipline went missing sometimes when not in possession.
Jon Obi Mikel – 7/10
The Nigerian captain saw it all in the ninety minutes in Paris. From chasing shadows due to lack of ball possession to getting booked, to scoring the all vital away goal.
Pedro – 6.5/10
Didn’t have much impact in the early proceedings but started to influence in spells as Chelsea grew into the game. But never quite had the telling touches the Chelsea would have expected of him.
Willian – 7.5/10
His work-rate and stamina was pivotal in not only getting down the other end of the pitch to attack the PSG gaol but also to help the defence while the hosts enjoyed long spells of possession.
Eden Hazard – 6/10
Another disappointing game for the Belgian. Seems to have his mojo missing.
Diego Costa – 7/10
Got the vital flick to help set up Mikel for his goal. Kept the two centre-backs occupied with his work rate but missed one glorious opportunity to give Chelsea the lead in the first half.
Subs
Oscar – 6.5/10
Came in for Hazard with about 20 minutes. Nearly got at the end of a great over the top ball, but that's as far as anything significant he contributed.
