Paris Saint‑Germain produced a dominant late display to defeat Chelsea FC 5–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, leaving the English side with a huge task ahead of the return leg.
Substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proved decisive, scoring twice late in the game to put the defending champions firmly in control at the Parc des Princes.
PSG had taken the lead early through Bradley Barcola before Chelsea responded, with Malo Gusto finding the equaliser. The hosts went ahead again when Ousmane Dembélé scored, but the visitors once more fought back through Enzo Fernández to make it 2–2.
Chelsea appeared on course to leave Paris with a respectable draw until a costly mistake from goalkeeper Filip Jørgensenin the 74th minute changed the momentum of the match.
His misplaced pass was intercepted by Barcola, who fed Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger squared the ball for Vitinhato chip the stranded goalkeeper and restore PSG’s lead.
Chelsea struggled to recover from the setback. Kvaratskhelia soon curled in a brilliant fourth goal before adding another in stoppage time to complete his brace and cap a devastating late surge by the French side.
Despite showing attacking intent, Chelsea were repeatedly exposed by PSG’s pace and quick transitions, often leaving space for attackers like Dembélé and Barcola.
The heavy defeat leaves the London club facing a daunting challenge in the second leg as PSG take a commanding advantage in the tie
