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for the Paris-Saint-Germain, the arrival of Chelsea Londoners Tuesday February 16 at Parc des Princes, resembled undoubtedly a first major test this season. Applied and domineering, the capital club defeated (2-1) during the Blues go knockout of the Champions League. Impressive on the collective level, PSG conceded a goal at home but is favorable ballot before the second leg, scheduled for March 9 at Stamford Bridge. But everything seems open.
On paper, the triple champion title in France went clear favorites for the third straight duel with Chelsea, twelfth in the Premier League and whose historic manager, Jose Mourinho, was sacked in December in favor of the Dutch experienced technician Guus Hiddink. Apathetic in matches in Ligue 1, the PSG is leader with twenty-four points ahead of his Monegasque dolphin, the public Parc des Princes particularly given voice to this prestigious meeting. Players have thus entered a heated arena white and bristling with blue and red banners.
The free kick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic
From the start of the meeting, the Brazilian striker Lucas PSG sows panic in the defense of Blues, deprived of its taulier and captain John Terry injured. Very forceful, Zlatan Ibrahimovic plays a good heel which delighted the Parisian supporters. In the aftermath, the Italian Marco Verratti middle, just recovered from a groin recalcitrant, let fly a heavy hit and forced Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper Chelsea to bed (3 th minute). Replacing the exiled Parisian Serge Aurier, the Brazilian right-back Marquinhos wins first duel with authority facing Eden Hazard, the arrow of Blues.
Advantage Benfica against Zenith
Benfica took an option to the quarterfinals of the champions League, beating Zenith St. Petersburg (1-0) at home Tuesday thanks to a goal from Jonas in injury time.
While the Russians thought they could maintain zero until the end of the meeting of the Luz stadium, this knockout round tipped in favor of Benfica when Brazilian striker managed to place his victorious head after a center Gaitan (90 + 1).
dominated Archi, Londoners do not see the ball at the start of the match. And César Azpilicueta was forced to pull to tackle with Lucas firmness that sped to the goal. The face covered with a protective mask, Blues striker Diego Costa is pale with fear the public park (23 th ). At the reception of a surgical center of the Brazilian Willian, before the granite center sends a powerful header that the Parisian keeper Kevin Trapp, deflects off the bar.
The equalizer Obi Mikel
Feeling his team ease off and multiply the faults Blues face well organized in defense, the Paris public gets his voice. Parked in a corner of the stadium, supporters of Chelsea sing God Save The Queen . At the 38 th minute, Lucas is dried to 20 meters. On the free-kick following Zlatan Ibrahimovic sees his shot deflected by the wall. Taken against the foot, Thibaut Courtois fought. Regularly criticized for its low impact in matches in the Champions League, the Swedish striker PSG exults, pursued by his euphoric teammates.
While Marco Verratti regia Park’s beautiful openings and other arabesques, the Blues are becoming more dangerous. Just before halftime the free kick Willian is turned behind by the Parisian wall. On the action that follows, John Obi Mikel advantage of a scramble in the Paris area to push the ball into the net from Kevin Trapp. The Blues celebrate their goal in a cathedral silence. Laurent Blanc’s men then return to the locker room in silence.
The Thibaut Courtois festival
the closed face, Parisians back on the lawn by sprinting, determined to blow up the London lock. On a meteoric against attack, Chelsea pierces the opposing rearguard and Diego Costa misses his duel with Kevin Trapp, author of a reflex stop foot (49 th ). Imperial, Thibaut Courtois is illustrated again by diverting a shot by Argentina’s Angel Di Maria then a shot Lucas (61 th ).
levitation Belgian caretaker sickens supporters of PSG. At the 67 th minute, the giant (1.99 m) lies down again on a well-wrapped free kick from Angel Di Maria and maintains his team afloat.
the winner returned Cavani
to force the decision, Laurent Blanc decided to hit the ground Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani to replace the Lucas artist. At the 76 th minute, Chelsea fails to take the lead as Oscar Brazilian abuts Kevin Trapp, vigilant. Coaching Laurent Blanc proves winner. Upon receiving a great pass from Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani crosses his shot wrong Thibaut Courtois, out to meet him (78 th ). Park purring with satisfaction.
Eager to drive the point home, the PSG coach then made back the Argentine Javier Pastore and the French midfielder Adrien Rabiot. At the 84 th minute, Marquinhos is close to aggravate the mark but his shot is deflected by the defense. It is then Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has the opportunity to deceive Thibaut Courtois, but his shot is repelled by the Belgian porter (90 th ).
At the final whistle, PSG players are between relief and frustration. They must now keep their short advantage at Stamford Bridge. In April 2014, they had fallen heavily there in the final quarter of the race before revenge the following year.
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