Champions League: PSG chastise Chelsea, Madrid maul Man City as Leverkusen, Arsenal draw
The first round of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 concludes with Paris Saint-Germain outclassing Chelsea. Real Madrid shock Pep’s City with a Valverde hat trick. Arsenal level late with Leverkusen.
At the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique’s PSG thrashed Chelsea 5-2.
The home side opened the scoring early with a brilliant finish from Bradley Barcola with an assist from Joao Neves.
Chelsea immediately responded with a goal at the 28th minute from Malo Gusto. It came from a wonderful delivery from Chelsea’s captain, Enzo Fernandez.
PSG quickly increased the advantage with an amazing finish from Ousmane Dembele. He scored after a quick counter initiated by Desire Doue.
After the break, Chelsea were back in the game. It was a fast square play by Neto that allowed Enzo Fernandez to level the game 2-2.
Luis Enrique, pushing for the win, made changes. He brought on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lee Kang-in, and Senny Mayulu. This increased the intensity in midfield.
Shortly after, Chelsea paid the price following an error by the Blues’ goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen. This allowed PSG to press high. Vitinha chipped in the third goal to restore the lead.
Chelsea were close to levelling the game when João Pedro scored. But the goal was ruled offside with 10 minutes left in normal time.
Kvaratskhelia made it four for PSG with a powerful strike. It was too fast for Jørgensen to stop.
The hosts scored again shortly after. But the goal was ruled out for offside with another mistake by Chelsea’s goalkeeper.
In stoppage time, PSG added a fifth goal. Kvaratskhelia completed his brace after a swift delivery from Achraf Hakimi. It sealed the first leg with a convincing win.
Over in Madrid, Manchester City were hit 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with an amazing individual brilliance from Federico Valverde netting a hat trick.
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt continue their incredible Champions League run, spanking Sporting 3-0 at home.
Arsenal snatched a draw 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen, thanks to a late penalty from Kai Havertz after a challenge from Tillman on Noni Madueke.
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