Thursday 3 April 2014
Champions League: Madrid defeats Dortmund while Chelsea's loss to PSG could cost them
While Real Madrid remains in pole position to qualify for the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League after a convincing 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund,same cannot be said of Chelsea who stare elimination in the face after an epileptic performance against Paris Saint Germain.
PSG made good use of playing at the Parc des Princes to beat Chelsea 3-1 and take a huge advantage going into the return leg next week at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had a very poor start in the game which saw them pegged back by the host team as they even struggled to leave their own half.
It was not a surprise when they went behind just four minutes into the game. John Terry's tame header fell to Argentine's Ezequiel Lavezzi who pounced to strike in a good half-volley to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The goal rattled Chelsea and they looked like they were lacking in confidence with each foray the French team made.
However a costly error from Thiago Silva saw him give away a penalty kick,the Brazilian defender dived into a tackle on his compatriot Oscar in the box,to give away the penalty.
Eden Hazard on his return to France sent the keeper the wrong way to draw Chelsea level from the spot,giving them a lifeline.
The goal reinvigorated Chelsea and they wrestled control of the game from PSG to now dominate.
Hazard could have bagged a second goal before the break,coming close by hitting the upright from a Willian's cross.
However,PSG found a way and went in front in the 62nd minute of the game.
Lavezzi who has been impressive all night,whipped in a free-kick that bounced off David Luiz to result in an own goal and give Laurent Blanc's men a 2-1 lead.
Jose Mourinho didn't start the game with any striker,maybe because they have not been firing on all cylinders this season and it showed that they needed one.
Just when it looked like the game would end in 2-1,Javier Pastore conjured up something.
The Argentine made an impressive run from the right,going past Chelsea defenders to beat Cech from his near post and score a precious third goal for his side.
PSG will now need to avoid a loss of 2-0 at the Bridge to be able to go through.
Meanwhile in the other game of the night,a very good display from Real Madrid saw them beat Borussia Dortmund.
Goals from Gareth Bale,Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo did the damage for them in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was glaring that Dortmund missed the services of Robert Lewandowski who served a one-match suspension.
Madrid barring any second-leg mishap looks like the only team that have already qualified for the semi-final.
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