Paris Saint-Germain joined Real Madrid, Wolfsburg and Benfica in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League following a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
With a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Paris, PSG secured a 4-2 aggregate victory – thus ending the Blues Champions League dreams for the second successive season.
Diego Costa’s 27th minute strike cancelled out Adrien Rabiot opener earlier in the game – before Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored to send the English champions packing.
Here are four talking points as the French champions eliminated their English counterparts for the second straight season.
Ageless Zlatan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again proved that age has nothing to do with his abilities. The 34-year-old followed up his top-notch performance in the first leg with yet another assuring display in London – by providing a goal and an assist. The former Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan striker has now scored 40 times this season – including four in the Champions League.
Trapp the trap
Many questioned PSG last year when they brought in Kevin Trapp from Frankfurt and automatically made him the club’s no. 1. But after an emphatic display against the Blues, the German goalkeeper should be considered good value for money. Trapp, 25, produced a couple of saves in the second half to deny both Eden Hazard and Willian from scoring on the night. A proof of his superb goalkeeping skills is 19 clean sheets in all competitions this season.
Costa’s niggling injury
Chelsea fans were in jubilant mood after Diego Costa produced a top class finish to draw the Blues level. The Spanish striker who has been in sensational form under interim boss, Guus Hiddink, notched his ninth goal in his last 11 for the Blues. With the game tied at 1-1, the home crowd were ecstatic – hoping for another miraculous triumph but were left stunned to see their star man limp off with a niggling knee injury.
PSG are favourites
After beating Chelsea twice in the competition, PSG would definitely be considered contenders for the title. Qatar Sports Investment group claimed ownership of the capital club in 2011 – with a developmental plan to bring the UCL to the Parc des Princess after five seasons. Four years on, the club is edging closer towards its first European championship and that dream might be realised this season.
Chelsea are not favorite to beat psg