Filip Jorgensen had a stinker in Paris (Image: Getty)
A dismal second-half display from Filip Jorgensen proved costly for Chelsea as Liam Rosenior’s team suffered a 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter with Paris Saint-Germain. Jorgensen, selected ahead of Robert Sanchez, surrendered possession to PSG winger Bradley Barcola before Vitinha netted the crucial goal of the first leg to make it 3-2.
Initially, PSG opened the scoring after just 10 minutes through Barcola’s superb effort. The Blues drew level on 28 minutes with Malo Gusto’s attempt getting past Matvey Safonov. Shortly before the interval, PSG reclaimed their advantage as Ousmane Dembele finished off a counter-attack. Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser was cancelled out by Vitinha following Jorgensen’s error. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, introduced as a second-half replacement, scored twice late on to leave Chelsea facing a mountain to climb in the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week. Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players…
An anxious start, with the goalkeeper surrendering possession to PSG and giving Dembele a chance. Produced a commanding save to thwart Dembele shortly afterwards, palming the ball against the post. Nevertheless, Jorgensen gave PSG a goal in the second half with a careless pass that allowed Vitinha to chip the ball over the Chelsea goalkeeper. Might have performed better for Kvaratskhelia’s second goal too.
The Frenchman levelled for Chelsea approaching the half-hour mark at Parc des Princes. Gusto found himself in considerable space and struck the ball sweetly, although the goalkeeper ought to have done better. Given he faced the challenging task of contending with Barcola, and occasionally Dembele when he drifted to that flank, Gusto played very well.
Fofana didn’t do well for Dembele’s goal. He was spun and turned by his compatriot before his attempt deflected off the Chelsea defender and beyond Jorgensen. Admittedly, it was against one of the world’s finest in Dembele, but Fofana may be somewhat disappointed with how he managed that scenario.
Chalobah was fully committed to winning the ball before it fell to Doue for Dembele’s goal. The defender attempted to regain possession aggressively but failed, leaving a significant gap in the defence.
The Spaniard appeared slightly rusty at times, yet found himself in some threatening attacking positions. His energy down the left flank helped Chelsea escape their own half on numerous occasions.
Wesley Fofana struggled for Ousmane Dembele’s goal (Image: Getty)
The Chelsea skipper performed admirably. He added some physicality to the midfield and distributed the ball well – as he consistently does.
The Ecuadorian went about his duties quietly but effectively. He put in a lot of effort to try and disrupt PSG’s formidable midfield trio.
Palmer started the match strongly, frequently creating space for himself on the right wing. He was a consistent threat whenever he had possession and there seemed to be a degree of apprehension from the PSG defenders following his performance in the Club World Cup final last July.
The Argentine international started the match impressively, distributing the ball expertly in the centre of the pitch whilst also drifting out to both flanks at times. This was exemplified on the 28th minute when his cross-field pass found Gusto for the equalising goal. A superb finish in the second half brought Chelsea back level.
Neto did well on 17 minutes to breach the PSG backline for the first time and his delivery nearly crept in following a significant deflection off Nuno Mendes. In the second half, he excelled in picking out Fernandez for Chelsea’s second strike. The Portuguese wide man demonstrated tremendous determination, pace and then calmness to square the ball to his team-mate.
The Brazilian enjoyed considerable possession and largely retained it despite challenging circumstances. Regarding goalscoring opportunities, Joao Pedro was restricted apart from a header in the opening period where he arguably ought to have fared slightly better.
Substitutes
Liam Delap (on for Joao Pedro 83′) – N/A
Had a shot. Insufficient time to make an impact.
Romeo Lavia (on for Palmer 83′) – N/A
Likely introduced to help Chelsea tighten things up but it proved unsuccessful.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Gusto 88′) – N/A
Insufficient time to make a meaningful impact.
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