– PSG are the first French team to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in four consecutive seasons.
Advertisement
“You always have doubts because it’s Ligue 1”.
With the score still 1-1, however, Costa went off with a calf injury and the visitors wrapped up the match and the tie through Ibrahimovic’s goal.
“We have an advantage in the result, which is important”.
With Kurt Zouma sidelined by a serious knee injury, Chelsea have lined up with Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill at centre-back in recent matches.
“Everyone knows where Chelsea’s season is heading to, coming from a hard situation in December when we were very close to the relegation zone”, said Hiddink, who previously led Chelsea to FA Cup glory after taking over in unfavourable circumstances in 2009.
– Ibrahimovic scored his 50th goal in European competition (incl. qualifiers).
But Costa was forced off injured on the hour and the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic scored the victor seven minutes later.
On the booing of Hazard, Hiddink said: “Yes, they had the right to do what they think”.
“He’s a personality, he’s the boss in this team and they use him perfectly”. It had the ideal balance of supremely talented players doing excellent things mixed with hilarious miscues and genuinely wonderful tactical football. “He can adapt himself, also through his big personality, in any league in Europe”.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg of the last 16 tie, PSG stretched their lead when Ibrahimovic crossed for Adrien Rabiot to tap in and although Diego Costa’s slick finish gave Chelsea hope, Ibrahimovic volleyed home in the 67th minute to complete a 4-2 aggregate success.
Willian has praised interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, describing the Dutchman as “a great coach” and “a great person”.
The Premier League side had 35.3 percent of the possession in the first leg, their second-fewest percentage in a Premier League or Champions League match this season, and 40 percent of their touches were in the defending third, the Blues’ highest percentage in such a match this season.
“They have to see how to go on and try to regain the lost terrain where Chelsea used to be”. Chelsea must consider the short-term future and how to handle this.
Di Maria, who had caused Chelsea problems throughout the contest, played a delightful one-two with Thiago Motta before crossing to the far post where Ibrahimovic applied the finishing touch to send his side into the last eight.
Advertisement
Hazard had at half-time swapped shirts with Angel di Maria, something Hiddink said he did not approve of, although he refused to condemn the Belgian.
