Chelsea crashed to a 5-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Last 16 first-leg clash in France on Wednesday night, as Liam Rosenior's side took a huge hit in their bid for silverware.
The Blues fell behind to Bradley Barcola's strike before Malo Gusto's equaliser. Ousmane Dembele's goal on the counter attack restored their lead in the first half, before Enzo Fernandez equalised once again in the second half. But PSG then pulled away as Vitinha pounced on an error from FIlip Jorgensen, before two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wrapped up the game.
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs was present at the stadium for the game, and these are five things that were learnt over the course of the night.
1. Filip Jorgensen's error auditioning for Chelsea’s No.1
filip jorgensen
Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was given the nod as Liam Rosenior’s No.1. The Danish keeper was preferred ahead of Robert Sanchez having also replaced him in the 4-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa, but ended up conceding five and making a crucial error.
Jorgensen made a solid stop to deny Ousmane Dembele in the first half, turning his powerful shot onto the post, and tipped a low strike from Bradley Barcola around the post.
But before both of those saves, he could do little to prevent Barcola’s opening goal, which was a fine finish from Joao Neves’ cushioned header, and the 23-year-old was well beaten by Dembele for PSG’s second.
Jorgensen’s biggest error led to PSG’s third goal and will be one of the main talking points from the game. Having looked confident, even nonchalant at times, under pressure with his feet, Jorgensen passed the ball straight to Bradley Barcola under minimal pressure, and Vitinha then chipped him to give PSG a vital 3-2 lead.
PSG then added two more thanks to substitute Kvaratskhelia. The first was a sublime strike and the second saw Chelsea caught in transition. 5-2 now feels a tough scoreline for Chelsea to overcome.
2. A game of transition and fine margins
Chelsea PSG (1)
PSG and Chelsea both looked dangerous in transition and with the game tied at 1-1, just 14 seconds separated a golden chance for Cole Palmer to put Chelsea ahead and Dembele’s strike.
Palmer, who was so clinical in the Club World Cup Final with two tremendous goals, hit his shot straight at Matvei Safonov and PSG broke the other way to immediately punish Chelsea.
Desire Doue’s pass to Dembele was perfectly weighted and the Ballon d’Or winner needed no help as he ran from his own half to score a tremendous goal.
3. The importance of Khvicha KvaratskheliaKhvicha Kvaratskhelia PSG
Both sides used their wide players effectively. Barcola and Doue both impressed, while Kvaratskhelia’s goals changed the entire complexion of the tie. The Georgian winger came off the bench showing the depth and threat Luis Enrique has in his squad.
For Chelsea, Pedro Neto proved important with his pace in transition causing the hosts problems. The Portugal international had a first-half chance to draw Chelsea level when 1-0 down before grabbing an assist after fine play down the right before cutting the ball back to Enzo Fernandez to make it 2-2. At this point, Chelsea looked firmly in the game.
Neto now has 10 goals and six assists this season and this was his first goal contribution in the Champions League this campaign. However, Neto was arguably lucky to go unpunished after pushing a ball boy over in added time.
4. Nasser Al-Khelaifi absent
Nasser Al-Khelaifi
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi was unable to attend the game at the Parc des Princes due to travel issues resulting from the war in Iran. Al-Khelaifi had explored flying both Tuesday night and Wednesday morning but was grounded in Doha.
GMS understands Al-Khelaifi spoke with head coach Luis Enrique, sporting director Luis Campos and the PSG team ahead of kick-off. He also sent a message to the PSG supporters calling them "the greatest fans in the world".
5. Ange Postecoglou’s Paris presence
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou was at the Parc des Princes working with UEFA and spoke to broadcaster TNT Sports ahead of the game.
Postecoglou answered “no comment” when asked if he would be open to a return to Spurs, adding he felt the current squad lack belief.
"There is no way that anyone would say, objectively, these players are performing at the level they are capable of,” said Postecoglou, who won the UEFA Europa League with Spurs last season but finished 17th in the Premier League.
"He [Igor Tudor] has got to try and ease the pressure on them somehow… For me it’s just about instilling some belief into the players."
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