After suffering a 5-2 first leg defeat to PSG last Wednesday, Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League progress was always going to be an uphill struggle. Fast forward to the final whistle of the return clash at Stamford Bridge and it feels as if Liam Rosenior’s men are going in reverse.
In a week where Reece James has suffered another long-term injury and the club itself has picked up a £10m fine from the Premier League, the backdrop of this encounter was never going to be a positive one for the West London outfit.
While any optimism of a miraculous comeback would have dissipated by the time Georgian wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring for the holders. Already a thorn in the side of Chelsea just a week ago, he was on hand to create more torment for Tuesday’s hosts.
Just six minutes on the clock and PSG found themselves ahead on the night. Kvaratskhelia pouncing on a Mamadou Sarr’s mistake – one almost symbolic of Chelsea’s current woes, to then slot home with a left-footed finish.
Luis Enrique’s men now 6-2 ahead on aggregate and still on the hunt for more. A hunt that would pay dividends just eight minutes later. Bradley Barcola, who himself was also on the scoresheet at the Parc des Princes last week, doubling PSG’s advantage.
Again the Ligue 1 outfit managing to turn a Chelsea mistake into a goal. This time Blues midfielder Moises Caicedo losing possession and Barcola the eventual recipient. The ball sitting up very nicely before the 23-year-old unleashed a half volley.
One that fizzed past Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. The Stamford Bridge mood that was already rather pessimistic being converted into something more toxic. An aggregate score of 7-2, this had the potential to get rather ugly.
At that point, Chelsea did manage to stem the flow and found their way into the game. Admittedly, the tie was already finished as a competitive concern. PSG with no concerns in London with still more than an hour remaining.
Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Jorrel Hato all with significant chances for the hosts when finding themselves 2-0 down. Try as they might, they could not get on the scoresheet before the break, boos from their fanbase at half time a harsh reminder.
While things would become even harsher for Chelsea in the 62nd minute. PSG making it 3-0 on the night and subsequently 8-2 on aggregate thanks to a goal from Senny Mayulu. The 19-year-old’s strike easily the pick of the bunch.
A stunning effort from just outside the box adding to Chelsea’s anguish. This on top of Saturday's Premier League defeat to Newcastle. PSG handing out the Blues’ joint-heaviest Champions League defeat, now Liam Rosenior has to focus on a return to the competition through domestic qualification.
A top five finish still in doubt and now their sole focus between now and the end of the season. As for PSG, either Galatasaray or Liverpool await them in the last eight of the competition. All eyes now on Anfield this evening.
