UEFA Champions League: PSG 3-1 Chelsea
CuteNaija
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Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday beat Chelsea 3-1 in Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Argentinian striker Ezequiel Lavezzi gave them an early lead before Eden Hazard brought Chelsea level from the penalty spot in the 27th minute.
However, the hosts deservedly regained the lead in the 61st minute against an unambitious Chelsea side as Lavezzi’s wickedly curling freekick was put into his own net by David Luiz.
PSG gained what could turn out to be the decisive goal in the third minute of time added on as Javier Pastore weaved his way past two players and then beat Petr Cech at the near post.
Worryingly, though, for the hosts with a view to the second leg was the sight of their leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic going off during the second-half clutching his right thigh. The second leg is next Tuesday
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had left out Fernando Torres for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, selecting Andre Schuerrle in his place.
With Samuel Eto’o sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Spain striker Torres had been expected to get the nod at the tip of the Premier League side’s attack.
However, he was left on the bench at kick-off with German international winger Schuerrle and Belgium’s Eden Hazard both starting, and both capable of playing through the middle.
There were no surprises elsewhere in the visitors’ starting XI, Brazilian Ramires returning from a domestic suspension to partner compatriot David Luiz in central midfield with Nemanja Matic ineligible in Europe and Frank Lampard – who has made 99 Champions League appearances – only a substitute.
Petr Cech, captain John Terry and Lampard all played in the Chelsea side that won 3-0 against PSG in the French capital in the group stages back in 2004, in Mourinho’s first spell as manager of the club.
There were no surprises in the PSG side as Christophe Jallet started at right-back in the absence of Dutch international Gregory Van der Wiel, who has a nagging knee problem.
Captain Thiago Silva lined up in central defence with a mask to protect the cheekbone he fractured in the Ligue 1 win at Lorient last month.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 10 goals in just seven games in this season’s Champions League, and a club record 40 goals in all competitions. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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