Can PSG Win Champions League?

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When the lights went out at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League success followed suit, as they stumbled into an abrupt end to their campaign. But, in the midst of Jose Mourinho's dismay and the overpowering sense of disappointment in the English capital, one light glistened—that being the hopes in which Paris reignited.

Having ruled the confines of the French top-flight for the past few years, Laurent Blanc’s Parisiens had always encountered the tournament as one step too far. That was until they overcame the odds and stunned Stamford Bridge into silence on Wednesday.

David Luiz’s eccentric, triumphant celebration summed up the magnitude of the victory. “I said before I didn't celebrate but there was so much emotion I cannot control (it) and sorry because I celebrated because of the emotion but I am so happy to qualify,” the Brazilian told Sky Sports.
Celebrations need no apology. In fact the only thing apologetic about the game was Chelsea’s performance, and maybe the referee’s questionable sending-off to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Image: Sky Sports

They reversed fate this time round. When they left the London capital, things were far different. Last season, Paris’ campaign came to an end at the hands of a late phenomenal winner from Demba Ba in the quarter-finals. But, with David Luiz sporting other colours, and an uninspired Chelsea looking parched of creativity, Jose Mourinho’s men were the ones with all the problems.

As much as the Premier League leaders underwhelmed, withdrawing the biggest chance of an English club striking silverware, the night belonged to the French. They dispatched the hauntings of last season's loss, and put themselves out there as candidates to reach Berlin in two months' time.


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Before the World Cup began in the summer, Paris Saint-Germain announced the signing of David Luiz for a staggering £50 million. A total which raised eyebrows across the footballing world, the Brazilian has emerged as a fan-favourite at the Parc des Princes and made every penny worthwhile with his bullet of a header in the 86th minute of the Champions League second leg with Chelsea.

Without their best player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they were able to topple the might of Chelsea at the fortress they have made of Stamford Bridge. For the half-an-hour in which he did play before receiving his marching orders, the Swede was almost invisible.

That was the time for the other Pairisens to step it up a notch, showing to the World that the club is more than just the Zlatan show. Marco Verratti for one stepped up with many touting him as the man of the match against Chelsea.



Keeping a high work rate and getting from box to box, the Italian conjured up some quality passes which opened up the game and broke through the uncharacteristic Chelsea defence. While Matuidi put in a good shift, he was outdone by his midfielding partner—but for the club in general, that surely cannot be a bad thing.

Edinson Cavani squandered a chance and PSG will want to see more of him thriving centrally even if he did perform a sufficient amount. He'll get a test in the quarter-finals with Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended, which could either help or hinder the club's strike force.

With all due respect to the winger, Lucas' absence may have been a blessing in disguise. Javier Pastore was brought in to replace him, and on the right-wing he was extremely effective. Even if fit, Lucas may not find it easy to get a place for the quarter-finals.

One change which took us by surprise was Marquinhos playing right-back. It was expected that David Luiz would play in a holding role, but the decision to play Luiz and Silva worked wonders—and not just with those two vital goals.

Image: Sky Sports.com

Marquinhos did get somewhat exposed down the right with Eden Hazard and, at times, Diego Costa, getting a good run down a certain flank, so if the centre-back isn't an option with Motta keeping the holding role well occupied, too much disruption to the team will be made to let him in. On that note, van der Wiel or Aurier can come back into the side.

There's still a few 'easy' destinations for Les Bleus in the quarter-finals, and that would be the perfect time for consistency and momentum established—even though that's needed for a successful quarter-final campaign.

Porto breezed past Basel and Real Madrid looked shaky, if that's hope. But knowing the spirited mentality of the side and the strength they have, and are expected to with the cash flow into the club, they shouldn't fear to tremble upon anyone. With that being said though, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco are likely favourites to progress also leaving a more simplistic route for Paris to pursue.

Shaking off Chelsea was a huge start to the re-emergence of their hopes, it was a lot of pressure lifted off Laurent Blanc and installed so much belief in to the team. Can they go all the way? They've shown they can do it, now it's about sustaining that against the rest of Europe's elite.

The French revolution picks up steam, the Parisiens could be celebrating in Berlin by the end of the season. Is this the turning point they needed?

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