Player Ratings: Kvaratskhelia and PSG attacker shine in 5-2 Chelsea revenge

Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain overcame periods of physical struggle to defeat Chelsea 5–2, fueled by late clinical finishing and critical errors from the visitors’ goalkeeper.

​PSG put their domestic stumbles behind them to secure a massive first-leg advantage in this Champions League Round of 16 clash.

Despite a resilient Chelsea side drawing level twice through Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernández, the French giants found another gear in the closing stages.

A goalkeeping blunder allowed Vitinha to restore the lead before substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck twice to leave Liam Rosenior’s side with a mountain to climb in London.

​PSG Player Ratings

​Matvey Safonov — 6

The Russian shot-stopper produced a world-class reflex save against Cole Palmer but will be frustrated by Chelsea’s opening goal. Malo Gusto’s strike slipped under his reach too easily, though he remained composed under high pressure for the remainder of the evening.

​Achraf Hakimi — 5

A relatively quiet night for the Moroccan international by his high standards. While he offered his usual outlet in transition, he found himself pinned back frequently by the pace of Pedro Neto and struggled to impact the final third effectively.

​Marquinhos — 5

The captain endured a difficult evening against the physicality of Chelsea’s midfield runners. He was caught out for pace on several occasions and looked uncharacteristically hesitant during the buildup to the visitors’ second equalizing goal.

​Willian Pacho — 6

Pacho was the most solid of the PSG backline, making several key interceptions and showing good strength in individual duels. He managed to provide a sense of stability while those around him were pulled out of position by Chelsea’s movement.

​Nuno Mendes — 4

A performance to forget for the Portuguese left-back, who was repeatedly caught out of position. He was nowhere to be found when Malo Gusto ghosted in for the first equalizer and struggled to track the elusive Cole Palmer throughout the match.

​Warren Zaïre-Emery — 4

The young Frenchman looked physically outmatched by Chelsea’s powerhouse midfield. He struggled to impose his usual authority on the game and was often bypassed during the visitors’ rapid counter-attacks, leading to a loss of control in central areas.

​Vitinha — 5

For seventy-five minutes, Vitinha was dominated physically and struggled to retain possession. However, he redeemed his night with a moment of opportunistic brilliance, capitalizing on a defensive error to lob the keeper and spark PSG’s late surge.

​João Neves — 7

Despite returning from a recent injury layoff, Neves was the heartbeat of the Parisian midfield. He showed relentless energy in the tackle and acted as the primary link between defense and attack, providing the vital assist for the opening goal.

​Désiré Doué — 5

It was a game of highs and lows for the youngster, who provided a sublime through-ball for Dembélé’s first-half goal. Unfortunately, his concentration lapsed in the second half, losing the ball cheaply which allowed Chelsea to draw level for the second time.

​Ousmane Dembélé — 7

The Ballon d’Or holder lived up to his billing with a sensational individual goal, displaying a trademark double-feint that left the Chelsea defense stranded. He was a constant creative threat, though he faded slightly as the physical intensity ramped up.

​Bradley Barcola — 7

Barcola continued his excellent form, opening the scoring with a ruthless finish into the roof of the net. His persistent pressing was eventually rewarded late in the game when his work rate forced the mistake that led to PSG’s third goal.

Substitutes

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (65′ for Désiré Doué) — 9/10

The Georgian produced a stunning cameo that likely put the tie out of Chelsea’s reach. After replacing Doué, he acted as the catalyst for PSG’s late surge, showing clinical precision to rifled home a powerful fourth goal before adding a second in stoppage time. His ability to find space in a tired Chelsea defense turned a tense lead into a dominant victory.

Lucas Hernández (78′ for Nuno Mendes) — 6/10

Brought on to shore up the left side following Mendes’ struggles, Hernández provided the defensive grit required to weather Chelsea’s late “storm.” His experience was vital in maintaining the defensive line and ensuring no late away goals were conceded during the Blues’ final period of pressure.