Chelsea captain Reece James wrote a passionate call to action in his matchday programme notes for tonight’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have a tough job ahead of them. They need to come back from a 5-2 loss in the first leg at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday, when three late goals from the reigning European champions took Liam Rosenior’s team apart.
The first leg was evenly matched at 2-2 after 74 minutes, but a costly mistake by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen let Vitinha give PSG the lead again. Then, in the last few minutes, substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored two goals to put the holders firmly in charge of the tie. Chelsea were shocked by the collapse, and their hopes of winning the Champions League are hanging by a thread.
James told his teammates and the Stamford Bridge fans to remember the great European nights of the past in his programme notes:
“I have seen some incredible things at Stamford Bridge in this competition, comebacks and results against the odds that make this club what it is and we have to believe that this can be another historic night for Chelsea. This tie isn’t done, it’s half-time and now we are at our home, and I know our supporters are going to play a big part if we’re going to turn this around.”
Reece James Will Miss PSG Game After Suffering 10th Hamstring Injury of His Career
The 26-year-old’s words have a lot of emotional weight, especially since he won’t be able to lead from the pitch tonight. During Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League, James hurt his hamstring for the tenth time in his career, which keeps him out of the important second leg. The problem comes just days after the England international signed a new six-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2032.
Head coach Rosenior confirmed the news at his press conference on Monday, saying that the injury could keep the defender out for a few weeks. Malo Gusto is doubtful, which means that Josh Acheampong may have to play right-back in one of Chelsea’s biggest games of the season.
Chelsea’s past in European competitions at Stamford Bridge gives fans some hope. In 2012, the Blues came back from a 3-1 deficit in the first leg against Napoli and won 4-1 at home. They went on to win the Champions League that season. In the 2013–14 quarter-finals, they also made a memorable comeback against PSG, winning 2–0 at the Bridge after losing 3–1 in the first leg.
Chelsea haven’t beaten PSG in their last five Champions League games, and they lost their last three knockout-stage games in the tournament. In the past, only four teams have ever made it past the first leg of the Champions League after losing by three or more goals. Rosenior’s team will need something very special to keep their dream of going to Europe alive tonight. The game starts at 8 p.m. at Stamford Bridge.