FEATURE | Three things we learned as PSG secure commanding Champions League first-leg advantage against Chelsea | OneFootball

PSG welcomed Chelsea to the Parc des Princes for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. The Ligue 1 champions ran out victors against the West London club with a 5-2 win. Defensive errors were the common theme of the night in a high-scoring encounter. 

Is attack the best form of defence?

Neither team covered themselves in glory from a defensive perspective. With both coaches placing an emphasis on attack, poor defending was on display across the match. Barcola was left unmarked with the freedom of the penalty area for the first goal of the match, and with Nuno Mendes out of position, Malo Gusto was able to make his way in behind the PSG defence with relative ease to restore parity. 

Whilst the attacking nature of the match made it an entertaining prospect for neutrals, it is hard to imagine that either Luis Enrique or Liam Rosenior will be happy with the performance from their side. The defensive insecurities provided a basketball match feel to the game. 

The first two goals presented poor defending. Contrastingly, the third goal was testament to the attacking nature of both teams. Chelsea went agonisingly close to gaining the lead through Cole Palmer, only for a brilliant save from Safonov to deny the England international. Less than 20 seconds later, Les Parisiens had gone up the other end of the pitch. The competition holders countered superbly, and Dembélé found himself through on goal before finding the back of the net after some great feet. 

Doué and Jörgensen were also at fault for goals conceded with mistakes of their own. Both teams will be pleased with their attacking display, but will be hopeful of greater defensive resolve if they are to have success later in the competition. 

Les Parisiens win the midfield battle

Les Parisiens firmly won the midfield battle against their Premier League counterparts. The return of João Neves in the middle of the pitch offered a certain control to PSG’s game and enabled them to enjoy the larger share of possession. The Portuguese international dictated tempo at the base of midfield and played a pivotal role in his side securing a first-leg victory. 

Although the game was end-to-end at times, the French outfit’s midfield showed intelligence to take the sting out of the game and retain possession to avoid Chelsea gaining confidence. This played a crucial role in Luis Enrique’s team being able to manage the game in the second half and preventing the visitors from creating a glut of chances. 

The Kvaratskhelia effect

When the Georgian international forward was subbed on with less than 30 minutes to go, the game still hung in the balance at 2-2, with a goal potentially seeing momentum swing back in the direction of Chelsea ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge. However, the former Napoli forward ensured that PSG commanded a huge advantage ahead of the second leg. 

Kvaratskhelia doubled his side’s advantage in the tie with a trademark effort from distance. Cutting inside from the left flank, the 24-year-old curled a superb strike into the back of the net, leaving Jörgensen with no chance. The PSG forward was not finished there as he scored Les Parisiens’ fifth goal of the night in stoppage time. No player has been more productive than the winger in the Champions League for the Ligue 1 champions this season – he has scored 6 goals and registered 4 assists. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith