Branislav Ivanovic became the highest-scoring defender in the Champions League since 2009 after the Chelsea man’s header against Paris Saint-Germain gave the Blues the lead at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Ivanovic broke the deadlock after 36 minutes of the last-16 first-leg tie when John Terry’s cross from the left was flicked on by fellow defender Gary Cahill before Ivanovic headed home the opener.
The 30-year-old’s goal in Paris took his goals record to seven in the Champions League since 2009 – the most for any defender in Europe’s premier competition, according to Opta.
PSG dominated and scored a deserved equaliser when Edinson Cavani’s 54 minutes header beat Thibaut Courtois who was chosen ahead of Petr Cech in Chelsea goal.
Cavani came close to scoring a winner but prodded his effort wide after swapping passes with Blaise Matuidi.
Chelsea progressed at PSG’s expense in last season’s quarter-finals when they won on away goals after it finished 3-3 on aggregate.
They lost the first leg 3-1 in Paris last season but withstood long periods of pressure to ensure they return to Stamford Bridge on 11 March with a slight advantage thanks to the away goal.
David Luiz moved from Chelsea to PSG in the summer and performed well against his former club in midfield.
Chelsea will be happy to leave Paris with a valuable away goal.
