Here’s our series. The 5 good reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll revisit the compelling aspects before each match with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (1st in Ligue 1) and Chelsea (6th in the Premier League) this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 (second leg on March 17th). Kick-off at 9 pm, CET.
5 – Reuniting with Liam Rosenior.
It’s not often that a Ligue 1 coach leaves for a major European club, so it’s special for PSG to see the former Strasbourg coach again so soon after his move this winter. This match was played amidst tensions surrounding the Strasbourg club and the importance of the BlueCo group, but that’s not PSG’s concern. Above all, they’re reunited with a coach known for his attacking ideas and his ability to create problems.
4 – Great memories.
Javier Pastore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, and Laurent Blanc for PSG; Demba Ba, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, and José Mourinho for Chelsea—this fixture evokes a completely different era, with strong and varied emotions for both sides. It’s time to continue writing history with this high-level clash.
3 – Scores to settle after the Club World Cup.
The 3-0 defeat inflicted by Chelsea was a bitter blow for PSG last summer, at the end of an exceptional season. The match was closer in terms of quality, but the result is undeniable and stinging. It’s been pointed out that Paris was exhausted. They’ll need to show that this had a real impact on the final. Meanwhile, Chelsea will want to prove that it’s just an excuse.
2 – A Turning Point in the Season?
The mood is one of drama surrounding PSG after their 3-1 defeat against AS Monaco last Friday, with a touch of exaggeration. We’re used to this kind of reaction after a poor result for the Parisian side. But we can certainly admit that Paris lacked efficiency and is creating difficulties for themselves, both in the Champions League and in Ligue 1 (not to mention their elimination from the Coupe de France). It’s time to rediscover a sharp attack and that feeling that the opposition is, to some extent, powerless. This was the case last year against Manchester City in the league stage; this home game against an English club playing in blue is another opportunity to change the dynamic.
1 – One step closer to the goal.
We always come back to the essentials: PSG and Chelsea want to go all the way in this competition. This match is obviously important for that reason; they need to focus on the return leg in six days. The battle will be intense, and it could well be spectacular.
