Paris St Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (L) challenges Chelsea's John Terry during their Champions League quarter-final first leg soccer match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, April 2, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] |
PSG started aggressively and scored when Terry failed to deal properly with Blaise Matuidi's cross and his header fell to Lavezzi some 15 meters out. The Argentina winger swiveled brilliantly before planting the ball into the top left corner for his 10th goal of the season.
Chelsea struggled to deal with PSG's speed on the break, and midfielder Ramires was shown a yellow card after hacking down Lavezzi as he turned away from him near the halfway line. Ramires misses the return leg next week.
Lavezzi caused Cahill constant problems with his pace. Midway through the half, Lavezzi got away from him down the left but his shot hit the side of the net.
Chelsea equalized against the run of play in the 27th minute when Brazil center half Thiago Silva lunged in a fraction too late and clipped midfielder Oscar's leg. It was surprisingly rash judgment from Silva, the Brazil captain, who is considered one of the best defenders in the world.
With the jeers from the Parc des Princes crowd ringing in his ears, ice-cool Hazard sent goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu guessing the wrong way.
Lavezzi had another effort saved by Cech, but the home side nearly fell behind in the 40th minute when Hazard's brilliantly controlled volley from wide left hit the right post.
Lavezzi outshone Ibrahimovic and his looping free kick caused panic in the Chelsea defense and Luiz clumsily knocked the ball over the line.
Worse was still to come for a ramshackle Chelsea defense that will need a vast improvement to stop PSG scoring an away goal next week that would surely put the tie beyond the Blues' reach.