(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Holders Paris St Germain secured a strong advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie with a thrilling 5-2 first-leg victory over Chelsea.
Substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inspired the win at the Parc des Princes, scoring twice as PSG dominated late to take control of the tie.
Luis Enrique’s side twice led through Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele but were pegged back by Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez.
Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia then struck three late goals to give the French champions a commanding lead ahead of the return leg.
Despite defensive lapses, PSG displayed flashes of the attacking football that helped them win their first European Cup last season.
The second leg of the tie will be played at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Kvaratskhelia expressed delight at helping PSG defeat Chelsea, describing the English side as a strong opponent.
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He said PSG had shown they were capable of delivering big performances on the European stage.
PSG began brightly, pressing high and dominating possession in a performance reminiscent of their best form last season.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Joao Neves headed the ball to Barcola, who controlled it before firing a powerful half-volley under the crossbar.
PSG remained dangerous and nearly doubled their lead five minutes later when Dembele’s fierce shot was deflected onto the post by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea responded in the 28th minute when Enzo Fernandez’s cross found Malo Gusto, who fired past Matvei Safonov to level the match.
PSG restored their lead five minutes before halftime as Dembele surged into the box, beating Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana before finishing into the far corner.
Chelsea equalised again early in the second half when Pedro Neto dispossessed Desire Doue and set up Fernandez for a simple finish.
PSG regained momentum after Kvaratskhelia replaced Doue, with the Georgian forward making an immediate impact.
In the 74th minute, Barcola intercepted Jorgensen’s poor pass and fed Kvaratskhelia, who assisted Vitinha for a delicate lob over the goalkeeper.
Kvaratskhelia extended PSG’s lead in the 86th minute with a curling strike before adding a stoppage-time tap-in from Achraf Hakimi’s pass to seal the victory.
(NAN)
