Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Some will tell you, tongue in cheek, that this is a clash between the European champions and the world champions.
In truth, PSG hold both titles, but in what is a repeat of the final in last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, some Chelsea fans will argue they are actually the world champions.
One thing that is not disputed, though, is that this Champions League last-16 tie should be compelling.
A clash between two clubs that have benefited enormously from “new money” over the past few decades. Billions that have been well invested and have taken the respective sides to glories they could only previously dream of.
Only one team will make the quarter-finals, however, and with such a prize at stake, we could be set for Champions League 2026 highlights over the next two weeks.
Talking Points
As the number one club side in the world – they followed up their maiden Champions League title with victory in the Intercontinental Cup in December – PSG are naturally favourites.
They may not have been at their most fluent at times this term, but few would bet against them when they move into gear. After all, it was around this time a year ago that they did just that, on their way to Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League glory – other silverware followed before the year was out.
Currently at the top of Ligue 1 by a solitary point from Lens, few would bet against them defending their domestic title and being among the contenders on the European circuit.
While Fabian Ruiz (knee) and Quentin Ndjantou (hamstring) are sidelined with injuries, Joao Neves has made progress in his recovery from an ankle issue and could feature, as could world player of the year Ousmane Dembele, who featured as a second-half substitute in PSG’s Ligue 1 loss to Monaco on Friday night.
As for Chelsea, they have already shown they can beat anyone on their day, and they currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League.
What new manager Liam Rosenior is looking for now is an end to their inconsistency. That was clear in the autumn when they were far too strong for 10-man Barcelona, only to be then caught unawares in Atalanta a few weeks later.
Exciting Brazilian Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens (both hamstring) remain out, but defender Wesley Fofana (thigh) could be fit to return to the starting XI.
PSG have secured what could prove to be a considerable advantage across the two legs after the French league accepted their request to reschedule a league game with Nantes, which was supposed to take place between the two ties.
That means they will play fewer times and have extra days to prepare for both legs than Chelsea.
Could that prove crucial?
History
It’s level pegging as far as meetings between these sides are concerned, with three wins apiece and three draws.
All but two of their clashes, perhaps unsurprisingly given how their fortunes have changed since being bought out, have taken place since 2014.
After group games in 2004 (one Chelsea win, one draw), they didn’t meet for almost a decade.
It was the 2014 quarter-finals, and only away goals separated the sides.
Goals from Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi, plus an own goal, had the French side in the ascendancy, but Eden Hazard’s reply for Jose Mourinho’s men would prove decisive.
That was because substitutes André Schürrle and Demba Ba were on target in a 2-0 second-leg victory as Chelsea struck late to knock out the French champions on away goals.
When they met at the last-16 stage the following season, PSG gained revenge with their own success on away goals – a 1-1 draw in Paris followed by a 2-2 draw in West London when, despite a harsh red card for Zlatan Ibrahimovic after just half an hour, Thiago Silva headed home an equaliser against his future employers with six minutes of extra-time remaining.
PSG also knocked out Chelsea, with Mourinho now departed, at the same stage a year later with a set of 2-1 wins.
Future Man Utd duo Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani were the men on target in Paris before the Super Swede, alongside Adrien Rabiot, found the net again in a 4-2 aggregate success.
That was the last time they met in this competition and at all before last summer in the States.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP 2026 Champions League betting odds back the European champions at home.
The Parisiens are priced 1X2 @ 1.92 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.17, compared to Chelsea 1X2 @ 3.38 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.36. If you think Chelsea can pull off another 3-0 win, then Correct Score will earn you a special pay day @ 60.00.
The 1X2 Draw @ 3.49 will be fancied by some, as will total goal 2-3 @ 2.12 and 4-6 @ 2.70, while if you think it will be mighty tight, then how about total goal 0-1 @ 4.28.
As spirited as Chelsea will be, I cannot see beyond a PSG victory and I think this will be when they really show their mettle after an unconvincing title defence so far. I have considered Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 5.80. However, my tip is going to be First Half Asian Handicap PSG -0.50 @ 2.38.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
