Edinson Cavani Keeps PSG in Champions League but Must Be More Accurate in Return

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

After falling behind to a first-half Branislav Ivanovic header, Edinson Cavani responded in kind in the second 45 to ensure that the French champions have at least a chance ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Les Parisiens’ coach Laurent Blanc set his team up well for the game, considering the absentees who missed the clash through injury, so the hosts were unlucky to find themselves a goal down by half-time.

However, PSG responded by showing plenty of character with an impressive team display in the second half that saw them unlucky to not win the game by the final whistle. Roared on by vociferous and unwavering home support, the French capital outfit found another level and had Jose Mourinho’s visitors hanging on by the end.

Blanc was very satisfied with his players' performances, as he revealed to the press after the match.

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You can say that we weren't rewarded for our efforts and achievement tonight. The scoreline wasn't to our advantage, but I'm very satisfied with the match. The goal we conceded is the only blot on our copybook tonight; there were lots of positives. Quite simply, the score is the only thing that counts in the end and the return leg will be complicated. My big regret is that we conceded. All week, we worked on how to shut down (Eden) Hazard, Diego Costa and Willian and in the end it was (John) Terry who crossed, (Gary) Cahill with a no-look back-heel and (Branislav) Ivanovic who scored. (Edinson) Cavani is a great player. He has had something of a confidence crisis, but he has worked hard, asked himself the tough questions, and it paid off. As usual, he was tireless in his efforts and tonight he was very effective in front of goal. It's no surprise to see him score.

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There were a number of excellent performances in the PSG side on the night, with the midfield three of David Luiz, Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti looking dynamic and thoroughly dominating their Chelsea counterparts in the middle of the pitch.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Captain Thiago Silva and fellow Brazilian Marquinhos were also largely solid at the back, with Gregory van der Wiel providing a good attacking outlet for the hosts and Maxwell producing a typically steady but unspectacular performance.

A number of PSG players had a point to prove after last season’s 3-3 away goals elimination at the hands of the Blues and none more so than Uruguayan international Cavani.

El Matador was derided for a muted performance in the first leg last campaign, before being lambasted for missing a golden chance to book Blanc’s men a place in the semi-finals at Stamford Bridge.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Possibly with the hurt from that criticism in mind, Cavani put in a determined performance and contributed well in both attack and defence. Although left relatively unmarked for his equalising goal, the South American also created a number of chances for himself and was a constant handful for the Chelsea back line.

Branislav Ivanovic was arguably lucky to not see red for hauling down the PSG No. 9 with what can only be described as a cynical rugby tackle late in the second half, while the Uruguayan went close in the first half with a near-post flick-header from an Ezequiel Lavezzi corner.

Cavani created a good chance for himself towards the end, using some intricate footwork to wriggle through the Chelsea defence, but could only poke wide instead past an impressive Courtois. Despite not being able to take that chance, though, El Matador was PSG’s most dangerous attacking threat and somewhat atoned for his miss at Stamford Bridge last season.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

What he needs to do now is get another goal in the return leg.

If he can do that, then PSG have a chance. However, the reality is that Chelsea hold the advantage now, and it will probably be enough to see Blanc’s men off. Les Parisiens desperately needed to keep a clean sheet and aside from a moment of magic from three unlikely sources in Ivanovic, Cahill and John Terry, the hosts would have achieved that.

Going to Stamford Bridge and either outscoring Chelsea or holding them to a draw is a tall order, but it is not impossible. If PSG show the same heart, commitment and fight that they did in the second half, then coming away with a good enough result to reach the quarterfinals is possible.

But if that is to happen, then the likes of Cavani, Lavezzi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and perhaps even Lucas Moura will need to be more clinical in front of goal.