Premier League leaders Chelsea managed to score a crucial away goal as the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain ended in a 1-1 draw. Branislav Ivanovic headed the away side into the lead, which saw his fellow defenders, John Terry, and Gary Cahill, combine to set up the goal. Terry’s cross was flicked by Cahill, which was headed into the net by Ivanovic.
PSG fought back in the second half and equalized at the 54th minute, when Edinson Cavani scored a free header past Thibaut Courtois inside the penalty box. The Parisians dominated the second half and came close to scoring a winner, but Cavani shot it wide after swapping passes with Blaise Matuidi. David Luiz started the game in the holding midfield position for the home side as Matuidi was given a free role in the midfield to stride forward.
Courtois made stunning saves to deny Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic headers at the end of full time as Chelsea secured a well-fought 1-1 draw against the French Champions. The Blues are now going into the second leg of their Champions League encounter with a slim advantage as PSG travel to Stamford Bridge next month.
PSG 0-1 Chelsea: Branislav Ivanovic (36’)
Terry’s cross was flicked by Cahill, which was headed into the net by Ivanovic.
PSG 1-1 Chelsea: Edinson Cavani (54’)
Cavani's equaliser for the home side after Matuidi crossed the ball inside the penalty box