Kvaratskhelia late show as PSG crush Chelsea 5-2

PARIS, March 11 : Holders Paris St Germain carved out a clear advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea as substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inspired them to an exhilarating 5-2 first-leg victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Luis Enrique’s side twice went ahead through Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele but were pegged back each time by Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez, before Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia, with a double, netted three late goals to put the hosts in control of the tie.

Although the French champions showed defensive frailties eight months after being dismantled by Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, they produced flashes of the incisive, high-octane football that carried them to their first European Cup triumph last season.

The second leg is at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

"I'm happy that I can help, happy that we won against Chelsea because they are a good team," Kvaratskhelia said.

"We are still PSG. We showed everybody that we are capable of everything."

PSG began in dominant fashion, pressing high and monopolising possession in a display reminiscent of their best form last season.

EARLY BREAKTHROUGH

The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Joao Neves headed a cross into the path of Barcola, who controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful half-volley that flew in under the crossbar for his first Champions League goal of the season.

PSG continued to threaten and five minutes later Dembele's fierce effort was deflected onto the right-hand post by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Chelsea gradually found their footing as PSG’s back line began to lose shape. Exploiting space on the right flank, Fernandez delivered a long cross to Gusto, and the French defender drove his shot