Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a stunning performance, defeating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on 17/3, securing an overwhelming 8-2 aggregate victory. This dominant display surprised even PSG coach Luis Enrique.

"I am very proud. But I honestly did not think we could win with this score", Enrique said after the match. Following their 5-2 first-leg win, PSG continued to overpower Chelsea in London, marking their ninth quarter-final appearance in the Champions League since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) took over in 2011. This achievement places them only behind football giants like Barca (11), Bayern, and Real Madrid (13) during the same period.

Coach Luis Enrique (in black) gives instructions during PSG's 3-0 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16 second leg at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 17/3. Photo: L'Equipe

Enrique highlighted precision as the key differentiator in this tie, noting that PSG had only 8 shots compared to Chelsea's 15. The Spanish coach explained that PSG maintained their familiar playing style, controlling possession and effectively exploiting spaces. "Two early goals decided the match. We once again showed that we are a big team, capable of playing in various ways and always keeping opponents guessing", he stated.

Addressing the idea that this victory could be a turning point for the season, Enrique emphasized PSG's consistent attacking mindset, rather than focusing on protecting leads. The 55-year-old coach also expressed deep gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, even during difficult times. He recalled PSG's challenging Champions League group stage campaign, where they finished 11th and had to narrowly defeat Monaco 5-4 in the play-offs.

Despite the impressive win, Enrique remained cautious when asked if PSG had reclaimed their status as a Champions League title contender. He acknowledged that the team still has areas for improvement, particularly in controlling matches, though he commended their fighting spirit. Regarding the team's overall form, the Spanish coach affirmed their belief throughout the season, asserting their capability to compete across all competitions despite challenges like injuries. "It's impossible to always win 4-0. That has never happened in history. This is a difficult season for everyone, but we are performing very well", he added.

Coach Liam Rosenior substituted Enzo Fernandez at the start of the second half. Photo: Chelsea FC

On the opposing side, Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior admitted his team wanted to fight and perform better, but two early conceded goals extinguished any hope of turning the tie around. He attributed the loss of control to individual errors in the opening minutes, while goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola boosted PSG's confidence. Rosenior also conceded that Chelsea lacked sharpness across both legs of the tie.

"At the highest level, you must capitalize on opportunities and maintain a strong defense. We failed to do that, so our elimination is understandable", Rosenior stated. He explained that substituting key players like Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer in the second half was a strategic move to preserve their fitness for the remainder of the season, following a demanding schedule of over 100 matches in 18 months. He stressed that this was a difficult but necessary decision to prevent injury risks.

Finally, the 41-year-old coach apologized to the fans, acknowledging the defeat was very difficult to accept. "This is a big club, where fans always expect victory. We understand their disappointment and will strive to deliver more deserving football nights", Rosenior concluded.

Hong Duy (according to AS, Chelseafc.com)