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Champions League | Quarter-Finals
Apr 8, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
PL

2-0

Schurrle (32'), Ba (87')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Match Analysis: Chelsea 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain

:Headline: Match Analysis: Chelsea 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain: ID:148875: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at Chelsea's memorable Champions League comeback to reach the semi-finals at the expense of PSG.

Chelsea booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League in the most dramatic fashion this evening, scoring three minutes from time to secure an aggregate victory on away goals over Paris Saint-Germain.

Andre Schurrle opened the scoring for the hosts with a controlled finish in the first half, but they must have thought that luck was not on their side when both Schurrle and Oscar hit the woodwork in quick succession in the second half.

However, Lady Luck changed her tune in the closing stages as the ball deflected into the path of Demba Ba, who made himself an instant Chelsea hero by sweeping home the decisive goal from close range.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at a memorable night of European action at Stamford Bridge.

Match statistics

Chelsea
Shots: 15
On target: 4
Possession: 52%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 18

PSG
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 48%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

Yes. Chelsea both deserved to win on the night and deserved to progress through to the semi-finals over the whole tie. They were not at their best in the first leg, but the 3-1 defeat on that occasion was a little harsh on the Blues.

The 2-0 victory tonight, however, was very much a fair reflection of how the match went, and it could have been more for Chelsea. They hit the bar twice and forced Salvatore Sirigu into a couple of good saves before finally scoring the vital goal right at the end of the match.

PSG struggled to create any chances until Chelsea began to pour men forward in search of the winner, and even then they were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal. It is a devastating blow for the French side to lose this having had a two-goal lead, but they can't complain much at tonight's result.

Chelsea's performance

All of the spirit, resolve and determination that helped them to their unlikely success in the 2012 tournament was once again on show at Stamford Bridge tonight. They didn't threaten much in the opening exchanges, but once they took the lead they also took control of the match.

Despite their measure of control, they must have been wondering whether tonight was going to be their night. They struck the bar with two superb efforts, while Gary Cahill also missed a sitter in the first half. In truth, they probably should have put the tie to bed long before they eventually did.

The reaction to Ba's goal hinted at the level of desperation that was beginning to take hold of Chelsea, and not least Jose Mourinho. He embarked on another sprint down the touchline to celebrate with his players before telling all three strikers to get back and defend the lead in the closing stages.

It will not go down as their best performance of the season, but the style with which they won will make them believe that they could still win both the Champions League and the Premier League this season.

PSG's performance

The Ligue 1 champions were nowhere near their best this evening, and they paid the price for it. They looked comfortable in the early stages but, as in last week's first leg, seemed rattled as soon as Chelsea scored their first goal and lost their grip on the game.

They were by no means parking the bus, but they couldn't threaten anywhere near as much as they would have expected in the final third. With no Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the focal point, the likes of John Terry and Gary Cahill dealt with Edinson Cavani reasonably easily.

Having said that, they did have chances to put this game to bed. As Chelsea pushed on for a second goal, Cavani was twice released behind the defence but twice put his shot over the top when he should have done better. The second one in particular was a glorious chance, and he will be ruing missing it right now.

Europe is the next stage for PSG to conquer having dominated French football for the last two years, but tonight showed that they are perhaps not quite ready to make the step up. They have the individuals, but are yet to prove themselves when the going gets really tough. Next season, you'd have to imagine that it will be a different story. Tonight will serve as an important learning curve for the club.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Andre Schurrle: When Eden Hazard was forced to limp off in the 18th minute, you'd have forgiven Chelsea fans for thinking that their best chance of turning the tie around was departing. As it turned out, it was the man coming on who made the biggest difference.

Schurrle immediately brought a bit of pace and urgency to the Chelsea attack that had been lacking in the early stages. He took his goal well, although the defending left a lot to be desired, and almost had a superb second when he rattled the bar after the break.

Having been something of a peripheral figure in the first leg as he played in an unfamiliar role up front, he was much more involved in his usual position on the wing tonight. He came close on a couple of other occasions and was a constant threat for the hosts.

Biggest gaffe

Gary Cahill would have won this dubious honour for a terrible miss in the first half had Demba Ba not made it irrelevant late on. Instead, it now goes to Cavani for a miss of his own that would have put the game to bed.

Yohan Cabaye released the striker behind the defence with just over 10 minutes remaining, but Cavani lifted his shot over the top when he should have at least worked the keeper. For a £55m striker, you'd have expected a goal, and had he provided one then his side would be in the semi-finals right now.

Referee performance

Pedro Proenca had a good game tonight. The yellow card was used on a number of occasions but never too easily handed out, while he correctly waved away a couple of penalty appeals. All in all, a good performance from the Portuguese official.

What next?

Chelsea: Chelsea will look to use this momentum in the final straight of the Premier League title race as they face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

PSG: PSG, meanwhile, will look to overcome the disappointment and move a step closer to an inevitable league title when they face Lyon, also on Sunday.

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