PSG vs Chelsea: Challenging the reigning champions

Following the conclusion of the Champions League 2025-2026 group stage, Chelsea advanced directly to the quarter-finals, while PSG had to compete for a playoff spot against Monaco. After two matches, PSG narrowly defeated Monaco 5-4. Coach Enrique's squad successfully escaped danger, but their journey to defend their title is predicted to be very challenging.

PSG enters the first leg of the quarter-finals facing numerous difficulties. In Ligue 1, in their most recent match, PSG faced Monaco again and suffered a 1-3 defeat. That loss allowed second-place Lens to reduce the gap to just one point. It was also the first time in nearly two years that Coach Luis Enrique's team failed to win two consecutive home games at Parc des Princes. PSG will have to exert themselves for two crucial competitions. This season, PSG cannot establish a secure position in Ligue 1 to focus on the decisive stage of the Champions League as in previous seasons.

Meanwhile, after a series of poor performances, Chelsea has timely regained momentum to enter the critical phase of the season. Currently, the London team's form is improving under Coach Liam Rosenior. Chelsea qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing sixth in the Champions League standings. Since their comeback victory over Napoli 3-2 earlier this year, the Blues have won 5 out of their last 9 matches.

To build momentum for this important match, Chelsea secured a 4-2 victory over Wrexham in the FA Cup. Previously, The Blues also excellently defeated Aston Villa 4-1.

In this upcoming clash, PSG is rated higher due to the experience and composure of their star-studded squad compared to Chelsea. The Blues are still in a phase of rebuilding their team. PSG may be disappointing in Ligue 1, but the Champions League champion's resilience remains intact. For this match, they also benefit from playing at home.

The last time Chelsea and PSG met was in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. At that time, Chelsea surprised everyone with a decisive 3-0 victory. In the Champions League, the most recent encounter between PSG and Chelsea was ten years ago. PSG defeated Chelsea after two matches in the 2015-2016 Champions League quarter-finals.

In this reunion between the two teams, Chelsea's forward Joao Pedro is drawing significant attention. The Brazilian forward joined Chelsea less than two weeks before appearing in the Club World Cup final last summer. He came on as a substitute and scored the decisive goal to secure the 3-0 victory, helping Chelsea claim the world championship title.

The match between PSG and Chelsea will take place at 3:00 on March 12 at Parc des Princes. PSG considers this an opportunity to seek revenge.

Expected starting lineups for both teams
PSG: Safonov, Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Pedro