Paris Saint-Germain defeated Chelsea 5-2 this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 tie (second leg on March 17). After the victory, PSG defender Lucas Hernandez (30 years old) spoke to reporters in the mixed zone.
Hernandez: “Everyone will need to be at 100% to advance in the second leg.”
A comfortable lead for qualification despite the difficulties?
We’ll see in the second leg, but it’s true that it wasn’t an easy match. Even though we took the lead, Chelsea played a great game. We can see the result as a good result, but it wasn’t an easy match. We have a good advantage, but everyone will need to be at 100% to advance in the second leg.
Hernandez: “These rumors, this lack of confidence in the team, are mostly coming from outside the club.”
There have been doubts at PSG. Could this evening be a turning point? A benchmark match?
Internally, we’ve never doubted ourselves. We know the team we are, we have confidence in ourselves. These rumors, this lack of confidence in the team, are mostly coming from outside the club. The team is always here, giving its all. Some matches go better than others. There are 90 minutes left to get through this round.
Are there goosebumps at the Parc des Princes?
It’s great! (smiles) We play for this, to make our fans happy. They are our number 12 player. When we play here, it’s never easy for the opponent. We also have this victory thanks to them.
How do you explain the many goals conceded?
We’re a team with a very attacking style of play, so we can concede goals. They have quality players. However, we’re still a solid team. The most important thing is that we were able to win this match and have the advantage going into the return leg on Tuesday.
