PSG 3:1 Chelsea

PSG 3:1 Chelsea, 02/04/14, Parc de Princes, Paris

Mourinho named probably the most counter-attacking XI he could, as you would expect in this game. Matic is cup-tied so Luiz played alongside Ramires in the midfield.

Laurant Blanc decided to play Verratti rather than Cabaye in the expected XI. Jallet continued on the right as Van der Viel is still unavailable.

Starting XIs

PSG sloppy passing at the back

PSG started very well, Luiz lost the possession under pressure and the ball eventually got to Matuidi on the left who sent in a good cross, Terry´s weak clearance fell right into Lavezzi who controlled his volley brilliantly in the difficult position.  The goal came probably earlier than PSG expected and they dropped deeper and tried to keep possession with short passing. However, Chelsea being behind so early didn´t really waited for them to attack and play on the counter, but put a good pressure a PSG had problems to work the ball forward and were forced to pass the ball back to Sirigu. Verratti in particular, was quite slow on the ball, playing couple of back passes that Chelsea almost got to.

PSG attacks

When they managed to get the ball forward, PSG attackers moved well, creating space for each other and used the ball well. Ibrahimovic often dropped into midfield to overload Luiz and Ramires. Lavezzi made runs towards middle, creating space for Maxwell and especially Matuidi on the left wing. Matuidi played the role similar to Di Maria for Real Madrid recently. On the other side, Cavani also drifted inside or made runs into space left free by Ibrahimovic, dragging Ivanovic out of his position, creating space for Jallet who made a good use of Hazards lack of defensive work.

Chelsea were expected to exploit the space left by PSG, but it was Lavezzi who had a best chance on the break after great through ball by Ibrahimovic, but Cahill managed to push him on his left foot and his shot went wide.

Chelsea attacks

Since Chelsea started without a proper striker, they tried to confuse PSG defenders by changing positions up front. Oscar switched with both Willian and Hazard, Schurlle changed with Hazard in the striker position.

PSG defended in 4-1-4-1 with Motta sitting in front of centerbacks, Verratti and Matuidi tried to pressure Luiz and Ramires while both Lavezzi and Cavani dropped to help fullbacks. It was difficult for Chelsea to find a space as their fullbacks remained cautious and didn´t push high up the pitch as much usual. Their first chance came from Luiz after good turn and avoiding Verratti´s tackle. Penalty came after PSG lost the ball when trying to break down their left, Willian made a good run down that side, cutting ball back towards Oscar who was fouled by Thiago Silva. Hazard converted from the spot. Hazard almost scored from tight angle after good cross by Willian from the right again.

Such an early goal completely changed the way teams probably wanted to play and the way they actually played. PSG had only 43 passes in the attacking third, compared to 84 by Chelsea.

Chelsea-passes-attacking third

PSG-passes-attacking third

Second Half

PSG continued with risky passing at the back under Chelsea´s good pressure in the first 10-15 minutes of the second half. However, the pressure gradually dropped and PSG found it easier to get forward and keep the ball with 3 v 2 in the middle and Ibrahimovic dropping off the centerbacks.

Lavezzi had a decent chance after another Matuidi cross from the left, but headed just over the bar.

PSG restored their lead from a free kick. Luiz committed unnecessary foul on Matuidi when he made another run from the middle to the left. Lavezzi sent in fantastic ball and the ball went in off Luiz. This time, however, PSG didn´t let Chelsea have the initiative and continued to threaten. Cavani had couple of good chances before substitute Pastore humiliated Chelsea with goal from nothing.  Chelsea never looked like getting an equalizer and haven´t managed a single shot in the second half while having only 36% of the possession.

Substitutions

PSG were forced to make two subs with Ibrahimovic and Verratti both picking up an injury. Lucas came on for Ibrahimovic, with Cavani moving central and Lucas playing down the right. Cabaye for injured Verratti was strait swop and Pastore came to strengthen the midfield in the place of Lavezzi.

Mourinho made only two subs. Torres changed Schurlle up front and Lampard coming on for last 20 minutes and Chelsea attackers changed positions in their 4-2-3-1 again. Ramires went right, Willian switched to the left and Hazard played behind Torres.

Conclusion

Early goal didn´t help PSG considering the way they played in the first half, but improved significantly in the second half.  Chelsea on the other hand, played well while looking for an away goal, but were really disappointing in the second half, especially when their pressing dropped. PSG looked much more likely to score, but teams seemed to settle with 2:1 for the last 10 minutes.  Pastore´s superb individual goal gave PSG the lead, which Chelsea might not be able to turn around as they did against Napoli in their title winning season two years ago.