Before facing Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea arrives with a very real wake-up call: this Saturday in the FA Cup, the Blues had to dig deep to overcome Wrexham (4-2 after extra time), twice coming back from behind. A long, tense, cup-like evening, perfect for giving Paris some ideas about what to focus on.
Starting lineup: 3-4-2-1
Liam Delap
Garnacho – Neto
Hato – Santos – Lavia – Acheampong
Sarr – Badiashile – Adarabioyo
Sanchez
Chelsea just experienced a typical FA Cup night: qualification, yes, but a close call. At Wrexham this Saturday, the Blues had to come back twice before finally securing a 4-2 victory after extra time, in a match that hinged on details, nerves, and a real lack of control at times.
PSG should put Chelsea under pressure from the start
Wrexham opened the scoring (Sam Smith, 18th minute) and Chelsea showed they could find themselves chasing the game. The idea: strike early, sow doubt.
PSG should play second balls as a deliberate tactic
Chelsea’s equalizer came from a chaotic sequence that ended in an own goal by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, from a deflected shot. When things get chaotic, Chelsea knows how to capitalize… but it also shows that the game can descend into chaos. Paris must be ready to win those sequences.
PSG should draw fouls and raise the temperature without losing their composure
Wrexham receives a red card for George Dobson (93rd minute, after VAR), and the game turns. In the Champions League, Paris can try to force Chelsea into risky defensive choices through counter-attacks and one-on-one situations, while remaining disciplined.
PSG should be ruthless when Chelsea are struggling.
Wrexham takes the lead again at 2-1 (Doyle, 78th minute, deflected from a corner), and Chelsea quickly responds (Acheampong) to force extra time. This back-and-forth reveals one thing: Chelsea can absorb a blow and bounce back… but it also presents opportunities where they are vulnerable. Paris must seize these opportunities.
PSG should avoid simply managing the game and instead try to get it early.
Chelsea ultimately prevailed thanks to their superiority in extra time: Garnacho gives them the lead (97th minute) and João Pedro seals the victory (125th minute). The message for Paris: don’t let Chelsea settle into a long match, where their bench and physical presence can make the difference.
