Chelsea are ‘still in the race’ to qualify, says Hiddink

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink believes Chelsea have a “50-50” chance of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals following their 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

The Ligue 1 leaders were in dominant fashion from the kick-off and for the first 20 minutes, it was back to the wall defending from the English club.

Tomorrow Roma play Real Madrid and Gent play Wolfsburg. But I have to say I envy the bench of PSG: a very strong bench, and a squad of 15 or 16 worldwide players, which is very good. And I know I had to make a challenge, either to get the ball or foul him, but then the deflection was a big one. On top of that we were unsafe but we were not lethal with the four or five counters we had.

Still, Blanc’s side could regret a host of missed chances and Chelsea will fancy its chances at Stamford Bridge in three weeks’ time.

“But we came back strong as well, but we’re very disappointed to have lost the game”.

Away goals have made the difference when PSG and Chelsea met in the Champions League in the past two seasons, and Blanc predicted an open second leg.

While Blanc feels the Nigerian’s leveller was the only negative of his side’s performance, he singled out Marco Verratti for praise after overcoming a groin injury for his first start since January 13.

With Kurt Zouma and skipper John Terry out injured, Hiddink reshuffled his defence, switching Branislav Ivanovic to centre-half alongside Gary Cahill, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving across to right-back and Baba Rahman coming in at left-back.

PSG attacked next, but Ibrahimovic – having done well to peel off his marker – delivered a poor downward header that startled Courtois only because it was so weak.

Mikel clipped Moura from behind which led to a free kick. Last night, on the stroke of halftime, Mikel slammed home a goal from close range after Diego Costa had flicked Willian’s corner into his path.

“Whoever got the second goal I would have been happy and I am happy for Edi”. “I was quite angry about that”.

“Di Maria is enjoying a great season as well”.