By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on February 17, 2016

Paris St. German last night won the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Chelsea but the visitors took away a positive – a rare goal by John Mikel Obi which could be crucial in determining the fate of the Blues in the competition.

The game began with PSG gaining possession. They had the first shot on target of the game. Lucas Moura had a long shot off the goal post after four minutes, to show PSG’s dominance. Chelsea would have goalkeeper Thaibaus Courtois to thank for rising up to save them in the early stages of the match.

After a brilliant display from Chelsea for two minutes, Diego Costa was connected, but PSG goalkeeper Trapp came to the rescue, parrying the ball to the bar. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ineffective for the most part of the first half, as Chelsea’s defence held him down, even though PSG had 60%of the ball possession as at 36 minutes.

At 37 minutes veteran Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel brought down a PSG player just before the 18-box, and Ibrahimovic scored the resulting free-kick, the ball hitting Mikel’s leg to get in, by deflection.

Chelsea fought hard and got a freekick, which led to a corner. Willian took it and Mikel converted it during the last minute of the first half to score his second Champions League goal ever for Chelsea.

The second half began with PSG threatening Chelsea, but the Londoners rose up to the challenge quickly. Lucas Moura had a one-on-one opportunity but missed it on 61 minutes.

At 78 minutes, Edison Cavani broke out of the Chelsea defence, and scored from a shot by the side. This weakened Chelsea, and PSG gained dominance in the match.

Elsewhere in Portugal, Benfica won with a late 1-0 win at against Zenit at home with Jonas on the score sheet.

The competition continues today with AS Roma hosting Real Madrid and AA Gent taking on visiting VfL Wolfsburg.

•Photo shows John Mikel Obi finding the net . . . last night against PSG in Paris, France.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 17, 2016

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