Paris Saint-Germain established a commanding lead in their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea, triumphing 5-2 in an exhilarating first-leg encounter at the Parc des Princes. Substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proved instrumental, inspiring the French champions to victory after Chelsea had twice equalized.
Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele initially put the hosts ahead, only for Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez to level the score. However, late goals from Vitinha and a decisive brace from Kvaratskhelia ultimately put PSG in strong control of the tie.
Despite showing some defensive vulnerabilities, PSG delivered flashes of the high-octane football that characterized their previous successful European campaign. The second leg is scheduled for Stamford Bridge.
Kvaratskhelia expressed his satisfaction with his contribution, stating, "I'm happy that I can help, happy that we won against Chelsea because they are a good team. We are still PSG. We showed everybody that we are capable of everything."
PSG opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Barcola. Chelsea fought back, with Gusto equalizing in the 28th minute. Dembele restored PSG's lead just before halftime. In the second half, Fernandez put Chelsea level again in the 57th minute. The momentum shifted decisively after Kvaratskhelia entered the match, setting up Vitinha for the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute. Kvaratskhelia then sealed the victory with two late goals in the 86th and 94th minutes.