Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain took a huge step toward the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 5–2 win over Chelsea F.C. in the first leg of their last-16 clash in Paris.
The match at Parc des Princes swung back and forth early on, with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé putting PSG ahead twice, only for Chelsea to respond through Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernández.
But the game turned late when substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came off the bench and inspired PSG’s late surge.
First, the Georgian forward set up Vitinha for a clever lob in the 74th minute. He then curled in a brilliant strike before adding a stoppage-time tap-in to complete the rout.
PSG coach Luis Enrique saw his side rediscover the attacking flair that helped them lift their first European title last season.
Kvaratskhelia said he was delighted with the performance but acknowledged the challenge is not over yet.
The second leg will be played at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday, where Chelsea must produce a huge comeback to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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