Kvaratskhelia on fire 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, only for Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia, with a double, to add three late goals for the hosts.

While 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.