PSG 2-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points

Zlatan scored the first goal of the gameIn what was a repeat of last year’s fixture, hosts PSG dispatched off Chelsea 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 game at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris today. Coming into the tie having lost only one game this season, PSG started out strong against what seemed like a rejuvenated Chelsea side. Chelsea soon gained momentum, but it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic who ended up scoring at the other end. The goal came off a free-kick which was deflected off John Obi Mikel, who gave away the free-kick in the first place.Chelsea equalised near the end of the first half, Mikel scored from a set piece and grabbed a much needed away goal for his side. However, late substitute Edinson Cavani then scored a spectacular goal for PSG to take his side into the second leg with an advantage.Here are the major talking points from the game:

#1 Goalkeepers\' day out

Courtois was excellent for Chelsea on the night

It was a high-end action packed and a very close game we got to witness, a fact which would not have been made possible without the contributions of the two goalkeepers. Both Thibaut Courtois and Kevin Trapp were amazing tonight.

Kevin Trapp had an almost dream of a game. His reflex save to deny Diego Costa from point-blank range in the 23rd minute was undoubtedly the save of the day. He was brilliant on many other occasions as well, coming off the line to deny the Chelsea forwards at every opportunity. He kept Costa in check for the entire game and denied Oscar late on to stop Chelsea from equalising.

The Belgian on the other end had a pretty great game too, stopping the constant PSG threats from coming to fruition. He did let Edinson Cavani’s late winner get past too easily, but that was probably the only time he was at fault.

#2 John Obi Mikel plays his part

Fate plays out in starange ways. Had Edinson Cavani not scored that late goal, it would have been all about John Obi Mikel, the person you would least likely expect to come to the limelight. He was the one who conceded the free-kick which led to the French team’s opening goal of the night. The goal wouldn’t have gone in, had it not been for a deflection from none other than Mikel himself.

Having played the villain for his side, it was time to turn the tables. In a stunning turn of events, he redeemed himself by scoring the late first half equaliser for the Londoners. The ball fell to him from a corner kick, and he did well to control it with a caressing first touch only to blast it past the young German in goal.

#3 Di Maria steals the show

Di Maria threatened the Chelsea defence many times

Angel Di Maria was indeed the most entertaining and brilliant player on the pitch tonight. He influenced the game from the very beginning, making threatening runs and putting in dangerous crosses and passes. The Argentine winger seemed at his former best as the Chelsea defense were having a hard time dealing with him, barely managing to keep him in check.

He produced some wonderful passes and crosses, most of which unfortunately couldn’t be converted into an end product by his teammates. Nonetheless, he was a constant threat during the entire course of the game. His efforts finally amounted to something when substitute Edinson Cavani scored a spectacular goal from an equally mesmerizing chipped pass from DI Maria. If he keeps up his game, there is a possibility that PSG might actually end up getting something out of this competition which has been eluded them.

#4 A rejuvenated Chelsea side

Guus Hiddink has turned things around at Chelsea

It is strange to see how the change of a manager can turn around the tides for a team in such a short period of time. Only a few weeks ago, Chelsea were desperately struggling in the Premier League, barely managing to keep up with bottom table sides. Tonight, on the other hand, they were going toe to toe with European giants. Guus Hiddink has managed to change it all, infusing a whole new soul into the team.

While there is still a long way to go, the signs are certainly looking auspicious. What we saw today was a rejuvenated Chelsea side, almost as good as the French champions. Their performance never looked like one from a mid-table English side, rather one from that was close to the top. The players combined together to put in a magnificent team effort, something that should give them confidence for the second leg.

#5 A tie that is far from over

If you think that PSG have wrapped it up and are ready to progress into the next round, you couldn’t be more wrong. Granted that PSG are in a better position than last time and that the game did go in their favour, it was a very close cut contest. Ruling Chelsea out this quick would be a grave mistake to make.

The away goal scored from Chelsea actually puts them in a favourable position for the next leg to be played in London in two weeks time. If Chelsea keep up their game just like today, there is more than a slight possibility that the game drags out late into the extra time like it did the last time around, or maybe even penalties.

This entertaining encounter has set up the stage for possibly an amazing second leg to be played at Stamford Bridge. We will have to wait two whole weeks to see who will be moving on to the next round.