Chelsea’s Champions League hopes were ended by Paris St-Germain at the last-16 stage once more as Zlatan Ibrahimovic inspired the French champions to victory at Stamford Bridge. The pride of French Ligue 1 took command of the game from the blast of the whistle in a manner intended to sound a warning that they were not in London to defend the 2-1 home victory. And they took the lead when Ibrahimovic crossed perfectly for Adrien Rabiot to score from close range after 16 minutes.
Diego Costa’s smart finish put Chelsea level on the night before half-time, but his departure through injury on the hour and Ibrahimovic’s simple finish from Angel di Maria’s delivery seven minutes later sent PSG into the last eight.
The visitors, who knocked Chelsea out on away goals at this stage last season, ended the night in total control of a pulsating game.
Chelsea – 10th in the Premier League – now face the prospect of being without European football next season, with Costa and Eden Hazard limping off injured before Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Everton.
Also Wednesday night, Benfica brushed aside Zenith St. Petersburg to reach the last eight.
