PSG Thrash Chelsea 5-2 as Dembélé and Neves Return From Injury
PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance to defeat Chelsea 5-2 in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, with Ousmane Dembélé and João Neves making successful returns from injury.
The pair immediately made an impact, combining to create the opening goal inside the first 10 minutes. Later in the first half, Dembélé produced a stunning solo run before finishing calmly to extend PSG’s lead.
Chelsea’s problems worsened when goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen made a costly mistake, passing the ball directly to PSG forward Bradley Barcola. The attack quickly unfolded as Barcola found substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who set up Vitinha for a clever lobbed finish.
Kvaratskhelia then sealed the victory with two impressive late goals, giving PSG a comfortable advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge in London.
“We showed that we can achieve anything if we keep playing like this,” Kvaratskhelia said after the match. “Of course, we conceded goals and need to analyze our mistakes.”
The match also served as a rematch of last summer’s Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0.
Dembélé’s performance highlighted his return to top form following an injury-affected season. The Ballon d’Or winner collected a pass near midfield, accelerated past defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, and fired a low shot into the corner.
PSG coach Luis Enrique praised the winger’s display.
“He played very well and showed exactly what Ousmane Dembélé can do. It’s very good news for us,” Enrique said.
Dembélé was substituted midway through the second half as a precaution while continuing his recovery.
Neves, who had been recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Champions League playoff against Monaco last month, also played a key role in the opening goal by heading the ball down for Barcola to finish.
PSG were close to full strength for the match, though midfielder Fabián Ruiz remains out with a knee injury.
With a strong first-leg victory, PSG now head to London with a significant advantage as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
