Cavani’s equalizer rescues point for PSG against Blues
Chelsea’s Courtois ‘ phenomenal’ in Champions League Round of 16
Striker Edinson Cavani gave Paris Saint- Germain a Champions League lifeline Tuesday with a second- half equalizer as his team battled to a 1- 1 draw with Chelsea in the Round of 16.
After defender Branislav Ivanovic put Chelsea ahead in the 36th minute of the first leg match with a looping header, Cavani equalized with a downward header in the 54th.
“The result is not in our favour, but what I retain is the spirit my players showed,” PSG coach Laurent Blanc said. “It’s the game we wanted, except for the goal we conceded. But there are a lot of very, very positive things to take.”
Blanc wanted a commanding performance from striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Cavani looked sharper and could have scored more. With 10 minutes remaining, he burst into the penalty area and poked the ball just wide.
Thibaut Courtois, chosen over Petr Cech to start in goal for the visitors, prevented a defeat.
“Chelsea is lucky enough to have two goalkeepers of the very highest level. Despite his height, he’s very quick, especially on the ground,” Blanc said. “He makes reflex saves at incredible speed.”
He denied Cavani with a spectacular first- half save and made four other fine stops to give Chelsea an edge for the return leg on March 11.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho described Courtois’ performance as “phenomenal” and conceded his side was somewhat fortunate to get a draw.
“The second half was their half. They were losing, they put pressure on us,” Mourinho said.
“If you go to chances created and the goalkeeper’s performances, we have to be honest and say they had more.”
PSG was knocked out of the quarter- finals on away goals last season by Chelsea — winning the first leg 3- 1 and losing the return 2- 0.
PSG had the game’s first chance when midfielder Blaise Matuidi’s header drew a smart save from Courtois, who reacted moments later to punch away Ibrahimovic’s header.
The hosts caught Chelsea with a quick break in the 32nd minute as winger Ezequiel Lavezzi forced a corner. He took it and Cavani’s brilliant glancing header forced Courtois into an equally good save.
Chelsea scored after Cesar Azpilicueta collected a loose ball on the left. From his cross, centre half Gary Cahill flicked the ball on and Ivanovic anticipated the bounce to plant a firm header into the left corner.
On Wednesday, defending champion Real Madrid is at Germany’s Schalke and Basel hosts Porto.