A second-half header from Edinson Cavani ensured Paris Saint-Germain held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League.
Edinson Cavani’s 17th goal of season maintained Paris Saint-Germain’s long unbeaten home record in Europe but Chelsea will be favourites to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 at the Parc des Princes.
Branislav Ivanovic’s first-half header put the Premier League leaders in front in Tuesday’s round-of-16 first leg, but that was harsh on injury-hit PSG – unbeaten at home in UEFA competition since 2006.
Laurent Blanc’s side suffered a heartbreaking quarter-final defeat against Chelsea on away goals last season – after winning the first leg in the French capital 3-1 – and Ivanovic’s opener was a blow to their hopes of gaining revenge.
The Ligue 1 champions were deservedly level just nine minutes into the second half, though, when Uruguay striker Cavani rose unmarked to head home.
PSG looked the more likely to fashion a winner but were routinely denied by off-target finishing and returning Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose goal they will certainly have to breach again in second leg at Stamford Bridge next month.
