UCL: Barcola, Kvara on target again as PSG romp into quarters

Paris Saint-Germain recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge to secure an 8-2 aggregate win and and place in the Champions League quarterfinals against one of Liverpool or Galatasaray. Catch up on all the action with our recap.

A fast start from familiar faces

After such an impressive display in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, there was little doubt that Luis Enrique wouldn't bring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia into the eleven for this match, the Georgian international having been the catalyst after coming off the bench and scoring a brace. Indeed, it was as you were for the visitors save Désiré Doué, who was indeed dropped for his in-form teammate. As for Chelsea, without Reece James and Malo Gusto, they played a rather more makeshift side, with former Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr lining up at right back and Jorrel Hato partnering Trevoh Chalobah in defence.

Those absences told nearly from the off for the hosts, with Kvaratskhelia pouncing on a loose touch by Sarr after a long ball out of the back by PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in the sixth minute. The Georgian scarcely needed a second invitation to score his seventh goal of the competition, a number that puts him fifth among all players. Eight minutes later, it was Bradley Barcola's turn to score once more, as the young Frenchman masterfully turned defence into attack after his teammates in midfield had dispossessed the hosts to score for the fourth match in a row in all competitions.

Safonov’s pass for Kvara’s goal 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ZNiqvJoIIZ

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 17, 2026

Mayulu seals the result

With less than fifteen minutes gone, PSG were up 2-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate, and thei tie was all but over, even though Chelsea would test Safonov through Cole Palmer (42').  After the break, the hosts would have a few stray chances without really troubling the capital side. Any doubt as to the outcome, though, was well and truly put to bed just past the hour, though, as youngster Senny Mayulu, on off the bench, after Achraf Hakimi had misplayed the ball at the edge of the area, rocketed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0.  

Having handily won the tie, Luis Enrique's side will now await the outcome of tomorrow's match between Liverpool and Galatasaray to know who they'll face in the quarterfinals. In the meantime, Saturday brings a trip to OGC Nice in Ligue 1 McDonald's, where the leaders will hope to keep hold of top spot after Lens' match on Friday

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