Paris Saint-Germain produced a commanding performance to defeat Chelsea F.C. 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday night in Paris.
The encounter at the Parc des Princes saw the defending champions eager to make a statement after previously losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup Final.
PSG opened the scoring early when Bradley Barcola found the net in the 10th minute to give the hosts the lead.
Chelsea responded in the 28th minute through Malo Gusto, who equalised to make it 1-1.
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However, PSG regained their advantage before halftime as Ousmane Dembélé struck in the 40th minute to restore the home side’s lead at 2-1.
The visitors once again drew level in the 57th minute when Enzo Fernández scored to make it 2-2.
PSG, however, turned on the style in the closing stages of the match.
Midfielder Vitinha made it 3-2 in the 74th minute before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored twice in the 86th minute and deep into stoppage time (90+4) to seal a comprehensive 5-2 victory.
The result gives PSG a strong advantage ahead of the second leg scheduled to take place at the Stamford Bridge in a week’s time, where Chelsea will hope to mount a comeback.