Chelsea’s Champions League season was once again curtailed by Paris St-Germain. Here’s how we rated the players in the 2-1 second-leg defeat at Stamford Bridge which meant the Blues bowed out at the round-of-16 stage.
Thibaut Courtois: 6
Looked a little slow to come off his line at various points but was barely tested and could do nothing about either goal he conceded.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Was exceptional for all but the crucial moment moment when a misplaced pass saw him switch off in the build up to the second Paris goal. Got forward well and could easily have had a goal, or even two.
Gary Cahill: 6
Caught in two minds for the opening goal, which crucially ended up allowing Zlatan Ibrahimovic time and space to cross. Otherwise he defended solidly against a top-quality forward line.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
A typically powerful performance with some timely interceptions and many important challenges. The Serbian looks far more comfortable playing in his natural role at centre-half, even though he has played as a full-back for the majority of his recent career.
Kenedy: 6
PSG looked to exploit both full-backs, in particular the young Brazilian who was making his first Champions League start. Posed a regular threat in attack but struggled to cope with the nous and clever movement of Ibrahimovic, Angel di Maria and co.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Used the ball well, was quick to get forward and support and also tenacious in the tackle. Pressed higher up the pitch than he normally does, showing he can adapt to the tactics and be more pro-active when required.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
The Spaniard tried his hardest to get a grip of the midfield and demonstrated his undoubted ability in possession, as well as covering from box to box and doing his defensive duty against a nippier, more agile midfield.
Eden Hazard: 5
Was overshadowed by his fellow attackers for the most part but despite picking up an injury, he continued to demand the ball and finished strongly before having to come off. Still nowhere near his best though.
Pedro: 8
Alert and threatening and a key reason for Chelsea’s bright display in the final third. Showed confidence and quality from the off and his closing down and workrate was vital in dragging Chelsea back into the game – not least when his harrying led to the equaliser.
Willian: 8
Like Pedro he was involved in most of the best forward forays, when his relentless running and ability on the ball were as obvious as they have been all season.
Diego Costa: 8
Took his goal with wonderful composure after taking a great touch. He was full of clever running, worked the channels brilliantly and and got in numerous excellent positions, but was also guilty of being a bit head-down when team-mates were in better positions.
Bertrand Traore: 6
Made very little impression in his 30 minutes, but with the game as good as over soon after he came on, that was no surprise.
This post was last modified on 10/03/2016