Paris (dpa) – Paris Saint-Germain has taken a first step towards the quarterfinals of the Champions League. In the new edition of the first knockout round of the previous year, in the league undefeated French proved for Chelsea as unbeatable and won with 2: 1 (1: 1).
The Swedish top striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a deflected free-kick (39) and Edinson Cavani four minutes coming off the bench (78) scored for the hosts. John Obi Mikel (45 + 1) able to make the score 1: 1.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc was playing aggressively from the start – with Angel di Maria, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas in the attack. Chelsea, who had to do without the suspended Nemanja Matic beside the injured central defenders Kurt Zouma and John Terry, the French had first grant and got the ball in the top quarter of an hour rarely from the own half.
Nevertheless, London had 23 minutes in the largest to date chance when Diego Costa headed freely on PSG goal. The responsive ex Frankfurt Kevin Trapp prevented the residue with a fine save. Then Chelsea took into the game. But for a foul by Mikel Lucas transformed Ibrahimovic due to kick (39th).
A few minutes later Mikel could make up for his mistake. After corner of Willian and extension by Diego Costa scoring the important away goal (45 + 1) for Chelsea.
In the second half the game was more balanced. Again, it was the strong Trapp, who saved Paris before the residue, as Diego Costa appeared to pass by Willian before the PSG goal (49th). Paris increased progressively the pressure, but rarely came to a conclusion. A 30-meter shot from Di Maria was Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois just with one hand to ward off (51). In the 78th minute but Courtois was no chance, as the come for Lucas Cavani four minutes on 2 off the bench: 1 hit.
Chelsea was obviously pleased with the close result and afterward showed not much in the offensive. Paris on the other hand would not let go, came in the closing stages but not for scoring. In the second leg on March 9 in London PSG reaches a draw to progress.
Preliminary report on the UEFA website
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