PSG hit five to stun Chelsea in Champions League last 16

A mistake from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, combined with two goals in quick succession from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, delivered a remarkable 5-2 victory for defending champions Paris Saint-Germain against their English opponents in an exhilarating Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday.

Chelsea appeared poised to head back to London for the return fixture next week with at least a draw, possibly even an advantage in the overall matchup, having levelled the score on two occasions during the opening half of the game at Parc des Princes.

Bradley Barcola put PSG ahead early on, only for Malo Gusto to restore parity, while a brilliant strike from Ousmane Dembele restored the lead for the home side shortly before the break, before Enzo Fernandez drew Chelsea level once more.

That changed when a wayward pass from Jorgensen was picked off, enabling Vitinha to notch PSGs third goal via an exquisite chip in the 74th minute, and then Kvaratskhelia fired in an outstanding fourth for the French outfit just four minutes shy of the final whistle.

To cap it off, Kvaratskhelia netted his second in added time, positioning the current European title holders with a strong advantage heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.

"I am pleased to have contributed to the team, but even more thrilled with our win over Chelsea, as they are a strong side," Kvaratskhelia shared with Canal Plus, brushing aside claims that PSG lacked their previous seasons potency.

"I disagree, we remain PSG, and today we proved to everyone that we can achieve anything. We must keep performing at this level."

Although the tie is not decided yet, this outcome offers PSG some retribution in their initial clash since Chelsea dominated a fatigued French team 3-0 in last Julys Club World Cup final.

Nine players from Chelseas starting lineup that evening featured from the outset here, excluding Jorgensen, who was chosen over Robert Sanchez, and defender Wesley Fofana.

The team now operates under a new manager too, with Liam Rosenior taking over from Enzo Maresca back in January.

This encounter marked his comeback to France, following an impressive 18-month stint at Strasbourg, the club linked to the same BlueCo group that controls Chelsea.

His tenure in west London has shown promise so far, yet avoiding an early European exit now looks challenging, particularly with PSG displaying renewed appetite after a few inconsistent outings lately.

Luis Enriques squad, which overcame three Premier League opponents in knockout stages during their triumphant European run last year, has found it tough to recapture that magic, the grueling schedule having left its mark.

Goalkeeping errors

Ballon dOr recipient Dembele lined up in the starting XI for only the 15th time across PSGs 41 outings this campaign. He had completed a full 90 minutes on just four prior occasions before Wednesdays action.

They hold a slender one-point lead over Lens atop Ligue 1, entering this match with only two victories from seven European fixtures.

Still, they burst into life, taking the lead in the 10th minute when Joao Neves headed the ball into Barcolas path, who settled it before smashing it against the crossbars underside and in.

The title holders were fired up, as Jorgensen clawed a Dembele attempt onto the upright, though concerns linger that offloading Gianluigi Donnarumma could prove costly.

Matfei Safonov has emerged as PSGs primary keeper recently, yet he bore responsibility for Chelseas initial leveller in the 28th minute.

Fernandez spotted Gusto unmarked on the right flank, and the French defender slotted home a effort that Safonov ought to have stopped.

The Russian made amends shortly after, blocking a Cole Palmer strike in the 39th minute, moments before Dembele restored the 2-1 advantage.

Demebele latched onto a pass from Desire Doue, advanced on goal, and deceived the defence with feints before his shot, which glanced off Fofana, found the net.

His 12th goal of the term gave the hosts the edge at the interval, but Chelsea pulled level again nearing the hour mark.

Pedro Neto surged along the left and squared for the unattended Fernandez to rifle in off the volley.

From there, Chelsea unravelled, with Barcola snatching a Jorgensen distribution for Vitinha to convert elegantly, followed by Kvaratskhelias impressive individual effort and a final touch from Achraf Hakimis delivery to seal a memorable evening for the home crowd.