Paris St Germain took a big step toward the Champions League quarter finals with a 5-2 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Wednesday.
The match took place at the Parc des Princes. PSG scored five goals in an open and exciting game.
Bradley Barcola gave PSG the lead early in the match. Chelsea replied soon after when Malo Gusto scored to make it 1-1.
Ousmane Dembele put PSG ahead again before the break. But Chelsea came back once more as Enzo Fernandez scored to level the match at 2-2.
PSG then took control late in the game. Vitinha scored to restore the lead for the French side.
Substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then sealed the win with two late goals. His double gave PSG a strong 5-2 advantage before the second leg.
Despite the win, PSG showed some weakness in defence. Chelsea had beaten them heavily in the Club World Cup final eight months ago. Still, the French side showed the attacking football that helped them win the Champions League last season.
The second leg will take place at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.
Havertz penalty saves Arsenal
Arsenal rescued a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday.
Substitute Kai Havertz scored a late penalty in the 89th minute to earn the draw.
Leverkusen had taken the lead early in the second half. Robert Andrich scored with a header in the 46th minute after a corner from Alex Grimaldo.
Arsenal started the match strongly. Gabriel Martinelli almost scored in the 19th minute but his powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Leverkusen slowly grew into the game. Christian Kofane caused problems for the Arsenal defence with his runs.
After the break, Leverkusen struck quickly. Grimaldo sent a corner to the far post where Andrich headed the ball into the net.
Arsenal struggled to create chances after going behind. Coach Mikel Arteta made changes and brought on Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz.
Arsenal came close to equalising in the 85th minute. Jurrien Timber was free in front of goal but headed the ball over the bar.
Soon after, Madueke went down in the box after contact with Malik Tillman. The referee checked the incident with VAR and gave a penalty.
Havertz stepped up and calmly scored to level the match.
“We had the game well under control, but didn’t score,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “Then we let the game slip away. That was unnecessary. We gave them hope and it was a different game.”
“In the last 20-25 minutes, we played better again and I think the equaliser was deserved,” said Arteta.
“The time between the penalty whistle and the penalty kick felt like an eternity, of course,” said Havertz.
“But in the end, you have to be mentally present in those moments. I know the stadium well and have taken many penalties from this spot. That’s why I felt good. Another big task awaits us next week.”
The second leg will take place in London next Tuesday.
