PSG defeated Chelsea 5-2 in a thrilling Champions League last-16 first leg at Parc des Princes to take a strong advantage into the return leg in London.
PSG produced a thrilling attacking display to defeat Chelsea 5-2 in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie. The victory gives the French champions a commanding advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in London.
On prend la première manche !
ICI C’EST PARIS ! ❤️💙#PSGCHE I #UCL pic.twitter.com/0NMvIfvNjY
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) March 11, 2026
Playing at the Parc des Princes, PSG began brightly as they sought revenge for last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final defeat to Chelsea. Their fast start paid off when João Neves headed the ball back across goal for Bradley Barcola, who finished emphatically via the underside of the crossbar.
PSG pushed hard for a second goal soon after, with Ousmane Dembélé coming close when his powerful strike forced Filip Jørgensen into a fine save that deflected onto the post. Chelsea gradually grew into the game and eventually equalised when Enzo Fernández found Malo Gusto with a precise pass, allowing the defender to drive home past Matvey Safonov.
However, PSG quickly regained the lead just moments later. Following a missed chance from Cole Palmer at the other end, Dembélé launched a swift counterattack and calmly finished to restore the home side’s advantage before halftime.
Chelsea came out strongly in the second half and found another equaliser in the 57th minute. Pedro Neto produced an impressive run and cross that was expertly converted by Fernández for his 12th goal of the season.
The match swung decisively in PSG’s favour after Luis Enrique introduced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lee Kang-in from the bench. Kvaratskhelia played a key role in the third goal by setting up Vitinha, who produced a clever lob after a costly mistake from Jørgensen.
PSG sealed the win late on as Kvaratskhelia scored a brilliant curling strike before adding another deep into stoppage time from Achraf Hakimi’s cross. The late goals ensured the French champions will travel to London with a three-goal cushion and strong momentum ahead of the decisive second leg.
