Lucas Will Be Key to PSG's Champions League 2nd-Leg Chances Against Chelsea

On Tuesday night, Paris Saint-Germain put in a spirited performance to secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea.

The Parc des Princes crowd were silenced when Branislav Ivanovic gave the away side a first-half lead, but Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani brought the home side back into the tie with a second-half header.

Laurent Blanc will be happy to travel to Stamford Bridge with the game level, but he was disappointed to cede an away goal. Last season PSG had a 3-1 lead going into the second leg, and that wasn’t enough to see them advance to the semi-finals. That fact alone should make Chelsea strong favourites to advance from the home fixture.

"

31% - Only 31% of the teams have managed to qualify after a 1-1 draw at home in the 1st leg of a knockout game in the CL. Bet.

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 17, 2015"

PSG benefitted from excellent performances all over the pitch on Tuesday night. The defence was well organised and excelled with Marquinhos back in the centre.

David Luiz looked inspired playing in defensive midfield for the first time since his move to Paris. Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi were undoubtedly PSG’s best players of the night. Pushing and pulling the midfield wherever they needed to go, the passing from the Italian and the lung-busting runs from the Frenchman were difficult for Chelsea to contain.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

In attack, Cavani had one of his better games for the Parisians, although this is highlighted by his otherwise average play this season. Contrary to reports, this is not because he’s been asked to play on the wing, but has more to do with his lack of movement in the final third. On Tuesday he was actively looking to get into the box, and he was rewarded for his efforts.

When looking forward to the second leg, you have to wonder if PSG can play much better than they did on Tuesday, as there were few players who didn’t play to their potential. However, on the other side, Jose Mourinho will expect so much more from his team. They were a disappointment on the night.

"

Les notes du #PSG dans l'Equipe pic.twitter.com/YSEJEx7Ime

— Adrien Chantegrelet (@Adrientp) February 18, 2015"

One player that didn’t perform well for PSG on Tuesday was Argentine winger Ezequiel Lavezzi. The 29-year-old was on the fringes of the game for the majority, and he will be unlikely to start the second leg on March 11.

Lucas Moura had to come off in the 2-2 draw with Caen last Saturday, but Blanc will be hoping that his Brazilian winger can return to fitness for the second meeting.

Cavani played mostly on the right last season, but that has become Lucas' position this term, although he is capable of playing all over the front three. Even when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was out with his heel injury, Moura blossomed with his ability to cause problems with his pace through the centre.

His ability to change direction at will makes him a danger all over the pitch. Now, it often feels that he is wasted on the wing and could develop into a creative No. 10 with pace to burn when he drifts wide.

Replacing Lavezzi with Moura will give PSG pace on the break, creativity through the centre and a dangerous out-ball, an option they will need to be successful in London.

PSG won’t see as much of the ball as they are used to when they go to Stamford Bridge, Ibrahimovic won’t be able to constantly drop deep to receive the ball and it will be down to the runs from Moura to disrupt the Chelsea defence.

"

19 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic has only made 19 touches in the 1st half, fewer than any other outfield player. Isolated.

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 17, 2015"

His constant runs in behind, both with and without the ball, will force Chelsea’s full-backs to play with a little more caution and help PSG ask more questions of the defence on both sides of the pitch.

Not many teams leave Stamford Bridge with a victory, but to advance, PSG don’t have to win, they just have to avoid losing and make sure they score a goal. For that to happen, the fitness and form of Moura will be crucial.