Chelsea

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha thinks both his former club and Chelsea face too much of an uphill battle to progress in the Champions League.

Both face three-goal deficits going into home legs, with Onuoha stating: "While they will have the belief they can do it, I think the margins are far too big. So while the game is still on for all the English sides, the margin of error is tiny for some of them now."

Their defeats come during a week in which English sides have struggled in Europe, with no wins recorded across six ties.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty said we have seen "24 hours in which the Premier League's self-styled reputation as the best in the world suffered heavy damage".

"The Premier League's power was supposedly emphasised by having six teams in the last 16 following the league stage, but this was something of a cold shower hosed on talk of its supremacy," McNulty wrote.

All six English teams have now been given a lower predicted chance of reaching the last eight by Opta than before the last-16 first legs.

Arsenal remain favourites to progress, while Liverpool stay second favourites despite trailing by a goal after the first leg.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast from the Parc des Princes.

I feel like I watched two matches. One from the first to the 75th minute of a positive Chelsea performance, and then that high-risk, high-reward approach just delivered nothing.

They lost everything on the night and it felt like an absolute collapse at the end. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing - the tie thrown away after what I thought was actually a good performance for much of it.

It feels like a missed opportunity. When it was 2-2 I felt it could go either way and Chelsea could even get a win at the Parc des Princes.

It was end-to-end, really good football. Chelsea were creating and matching PSG all over the pitch physically.

It was all going swimmingly but that mistake from Filip Jorgensen seemed to affect the mindset of the players. I felt sorry for him because he did have a good game and then he just had that mistake in the biggest game of his life.

I don't think Robert Sanchez has been that bad this season but he had two poor games against Arsenal under Liam Rosenior. Jorgensen did not take his chance and it might be time to look at Sanchez again for the Newcastle game.

It's one thing one player making a mistake but then they all started doing it.

To lose 5-2 feels harsh from what I witnessed but that's this Chelsea mentality; young players, throwing away games, ill-discipline almost.

It's not just the red cards, it's the way they're throwing away games.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

West Ham would like to make the loan signing of Chelsea and France defender Axel Disasi, 28, permanent if they secure Premier League survival, but are not willing to match the £38.8m fee Chelsea paid for him in 2023. (Mail+ - subscription required)., external

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Gabby Logan presents highlights of the first-leg ties from the Champions League round of 16. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle are the six Premier League clubs in action alongside 15-time winners Real Madrid, current holders Paris Saint-Germain and surprise package Bodo/Glimt

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Real Madrid 3-0 Man City

• Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal

• Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool

• Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona

• Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior speaking after the 5-2 defeat by PSG: "A very disappointing result in an evening where for so much of the game I was really happy. The last 15-20 minutes were crazy. We need to be better with setbacks and we need to stay calm. We didn't.

"It's a painful scoreline because for 75 minutes we were way in the tie and the game itself.

"Players make mistakes, Filip [Jorgensen] is not the first one to make a mistake, that's part of football. In that moment at 2-2 we were in the ascendancy, an inch away from going 3-2 with Joao Pedro scoring after Enzo Fernandez was offside. But in the top level, the Champions League level, it is fine margins.

"The fifth goal was the most painful one after a flashpoint. We don't settle ourselves down. They scored a fifth goal and that makes it very difficult, but not impossible to come back from."

On Pedro Neto pushing a ball boy: "I genuinely have not seen it yet. I saw there was an altercation with a ball boy. If there was anything from our side that was out of order I apologies on behalf of the club, I think Pedro has done [apologised] in interviews. We've spoken a lot about discipline and staying calm and it's on me to find the answer."

Did you know?

• Chelsea conceded five goals in a single UEFA Champions League game for just the second time, after a 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in April 2000.

• Since the start of last season, only Bruno Fernandes with 59 has more goal involvements among midfielders for Premier League clubs in all competitions than Chelsea's Enzo Fernández. He has 44, with 21 goals and 23 assists.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was high risk and no reward for Chelsea on Wednesday night.

They had gone toe‑to‑toe with the best team in Europe on their own turf for 74 minutes, but after Filip Jorgensen's mistake, that positive display unravelled into a whimpering collapse.

A lack of concentration, ill‑discipline and, perhaps, a shortage of real quality at the highest level left Chelsea well beaten.

When it came to concentration, Jorgensen was the prime culprit. Playing in arguably the biggest game of his career in the last 16 of the Champions League, he threw away his opportunity to stay as number one ahead of Robert Sanchez.

It could well be that neither goalkeeper is good enough, with Robert Sanchez having struggled in two of recently appointed head coach Liam Rosenior's first three games against Arsenal, which ultimately got him dropped.

But Jorgensen was far from the only one at fault. One of the star performers this season, captain Reece James, stumbled when challenged by Senny Mayulu for the fourth goal, while Chelsea were simply played through, leaving several players out of position for the fifth.

Even Cole Palmer squandered a crucial chance 14 seconds before Dembele scored a more difficult one on the counter‑attack.

And, to highlight Chelsea's indiscipline, Pedro Neto pushed over a ball boy after the fourth goal, sparking a mass altercation between both sides.

The Portugal winger attempted to repair the damage after the match by giving the ball boy his shirt, but he risks facing further Uefa action.

It was another damning indictment of a team that can be brilliant at their best but implode at their worst.

It came against PSG, one of the few teams younger than Chelsea in Europe's top‑tier competition, showing that success is possible with a youthful squad.

However, PSG proved on the night they have cooler heads, greater quality and are everything Chelsea want to be but struggling to become.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Neves, Vitinha, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele

Subs: Chevalier, Marin, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Kvaratskhelia, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Dro Fernandez, Mbaye

Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Merrick, Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato, Santos, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, Delap

There are four games in the Champions League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal (17:45) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Bodo/Glimt v Sporting

• Paris St-Germain v Chelsea

• Real Madrid v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Real Madrid v Manchester City", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Finishing second has been an unfamiliar feeling for Paris Saint-Germain over the past 12 months, but they were soundly beaten by Chelsea in last summer's Fifa Club World Cup final. The defeat appeared to sting, judging by the post-match scuffles which broke out, with Blues forward Joao Pedro claiming the Parisians "lost their heads". However, PSG head coach Luis Enrique, who confronted the Brazilian in New Jersey, insisted last week that "there is no feeling of revenge for us – this is a different competition".

Facing Premier League rivals is, by now, nothing new for PSG, with this match their 13th against English opposition since the start of last season. They've had a clear edge in those encounters and eliminated Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal on the way to winning the Champions League for the first time. The French side have not quite hit those heights in the current campaign, with Friday's defeat by Monaco their seventh loss in all competitions. However, helpful scheduling from Ligue 1 means they'll get extra rest before next week's second leg, with their game against Nantes postponed – a decision which hasn't gone down particularly well with their relegation-threatened opponents.

Did you know?

• PSG have lost just two of their last 14 European matches (W8, D4).

• They have the second youngest average starting XI in this season's Champions League (24 years, 195 days), bettered by only Chelsea (24 years, 31 days).

• The 3-1 defeat to Monaco on Friday was their fourth loss since the turn of the year.

Player to watch: Matvei Safonov

The 27-year-old Russian has been ever-present in the last six weeks, having usurped summer signing Lucas Chevalier after recovering from a broken hand. He was injured during December's shoot-out win against Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final, when he saved four spot-kicks. Luis Enrique says he has never coached a keeper so good at reading where penalty takers will hit their shots.

Brighton are confident of beating Chelsea to the summer signing of Cologne's German winger Said el Mala, 19, who has impressed in his first season in the Bundesliga. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea do not want to sell striker Liam Delap this summer despite the 23-year-old Englishman scoring just one Premier League goal in an injury-hit season. (Mirror), external

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all keen on Freiburg's 20-year-old Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc Des Princes (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Rosenior said that Jamie Gittens "is back," despite not being named in the travelling group. He added that Levi Colwill is back in "modified training".

• Rosenior said he watched the Club World Cup final between the two sides in July, but admitted Chelsea's victory in that game has little relevance for tomorrow's match. Chelsea defender Malo Gusto echoed these thoughts when asked a similar question.

• On tomorrow's opponents, who he coached against when he was at Strasbourg: "They were so good last year. I was admiring the football they were playing. They have world class players and a world class manager and I expect a difficult challenge tactically, physically and technically - but we have world class players too. It should be a great game for the neutral. We have to remember it's a two-legged game and we have discipline for that aspect."

• Rosenior gave no indication as to who will be starting in goal for Wednesday's match, adding: "Every position is a difficult position. We have a fantastic squad, and even decisions on who will be on the bench is difficult. The goalkeeper is no different to an outfield decision; I will pick who I think is right for every game."

• He was asked what he has learnt from his first few months in West London: "It has been mentioned that I am confident as a person, and I am even more confident now than when I arrived, and that is down to what the players have given me in that time. I think it's a nice fit."

• The two sides boast some of the youngest squads in the competition, but Rosenior says the age of his players "doesn't matter," adding: "I just like working with good players. Younger players have a higher ceiling and I think that is why I'm here. I love working with this group, regardless of age. Not only their quality and ability, their temperament and want to improve and learn, it is a joy working with them every day."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Returning loanee Mamadou Sarr says Chelsea are good enough to match their past glories and win the Champions League this season.

The 20-year-old defender was recalled from his loan spell at sister club Strasbourg in January and given a place in Chelsea's Champions League squad.

Ahead of a match at the Parc des Princes against European champions Paris St-Germain — who won the competition with one of the youngest squads in Europe — Sarr believes Chelsea are capable of doing the same.

"I think we are young, but we have a lot of experience. Guys like Reece [James], they won the trophy, they won the Champions League, so I think we can achieve that again," Sarr told BBC Sport.

"I don't think it's about age; I think it's about mentality and level."

Sarr, who has made three starts since reuniting with his former head coach Liam Rosenior, is enjoying his return to Chelsea, having been involved in the Club World Cup campaign that culminated in a 3-0 win over PSG in New Jersey.

He remembers staying up late with his brother, Abdou, watching Chelsea's past Champions League triumphs — particularly their series of matches against Barcelona. "I watched them a lot," he said, naming stars including Eden Hazard, Willian, Victor Moses, Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires.

Meanwhile, Rosenior's decision to start Sarr against Arsenal highlights the trust he has placed in the defender, whom he has signed twice — first at Strasbourg and again at Chelsea. Players at both clubs jokingly refer to him as "Mamadou Rosenior" because of their father‑son‑style relationship.

"He impressed me with the way he talks to you directly — you feel his passion. I fell in love with his systems and the way he sees the game. I think I understand football more because of him," Sarr continued.

On the nickname, he added: "It's been a joke then and now even at Chelsea. I know he likes me, but just because he likes me doesn't mean I'm going to play for sure. I have to show it in training and on the pitch."

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's win over Wrexham on Saturday was a fun game for the neutrals, with plenty of goals and storylines for the audience at home to enjoy.

For some Blues fans, however the chaotic win against lower league opposition was more evidence that this is a poorly constructed squad. To many of them, the 4-2 result against a team that was in League One a year ago was another reminder of how inadequate Chelsea's second string is. It wasn't until Wrexham were down to 10 men that the away side really took control.

Despite the hundreds of millions spent in the last few years, any deviation from the first XI by the manager ends up being a major gamble.

That's a reasonable take on the big picture, if a little harsh on Wrexham's quality. However in the short term, there were a lot of positives that could be taken from the game regarding the squad. Throughout the team, the options available to Liam Rosenior are improving.

In midfield, both Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo played significant minutes after their respective returns from long term injury issues. Finally the pressure on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez to play in every game is easing, and the overworked pair were allowed to stay back in London to rest ahead of the Champions League game against PSG on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile at left back Jorrel Hato put in another improved performance, and first choice option Marc Cucurella returned from his hamstring problem to build some match fitness.

In central defence, Mamadou Sarr got a third Chelsea start and continued to look like a solid third choice; and in the attacking line Alejandro Garnacho put in another dangerous showing to show how he's recovered from a bad spell.

Just in time for decisive games of the season, Rosenior has some reliable depth to fall back on.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sporting winger Geovany Quenda is expected to stay at Chelsea until the March international break as he continues his recovery from a metatarsal injury.

The 18-year-old agreed to join Chelsea in a £40m deal last year but only after completing another full season with the Portuguese giants.

Quenda remains focused on ending the season strongly at Sporting as they battle Porto for the league title, while a positive final few months would also strengthen his hopes of making Portugal's World Cup squad.

However, his use of Chelsea's world‑class medical facilities is helping him adapt early to a move to a new country.

Quenda is using the time to improve his English and complete various bureaucratic tasks, including filling in documents and finding a new house.

He has also had opportunities to meet Chelsea players and members of staff, with two plans already in place - one for if he makes Portugal's squad in the summer and another if he does not - before his first campaign at Stamford Bridge next season.

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup quarter finals has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn:

• Southampton v Arsenal

• Chelsea v Port Vale

• Manchester City v Liverpool

• West Ham or Brentford v Leeds United

The ties will be played around the weekend of Saturday, 4 April.

Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Wrexham and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Tommy: We still look suspect when teams don't give us time on the ball - especially when playing from the back. And we still need a world class keeper.

Danny: Huge potential banana skin slip avoided. PSG game obviously on the manager's mind. Back to Sanchez, back to nine squad changes, back to incessant back and sideways passing. This new manager needs to get us playing on the front foot like the Villa game. When we go forward we are a match for anyone (without Delap).

Jeff: Rosenior somehow got out of jail free with his team selection for this one. Wrexham deserved to win. We cannot afford sympathy starts for second string central defenders - they simply aren't good enough. The only bright spot in otherwise pretty dismal performance was Essugo's appearance. Looks like he could be class.

Richard: Chelsea's defensive problems continue with no signs of learning. This has been the case for months if not seasons. Players not switching on when the alarms are going off all over the place. Don't see Rosenior yelling from the touchline either to wake them up.

Derek: Absolutely dreadful. So glad I never paid to see it. Tippy tappy sideways and back with little or no idea of penetration. Attitude of some players was disgraceful as though they didn't want to be there. Wrexham deserved something out of this game

Scott: Fortunate to win this game. Lazy performance overall and some of the players on show proved they are not Chelsea quality - Sanchez, Lavia, Santos, Badiashiele, Delap all need to be moved on. We must, must, invest in a new goalkeeper and striker as a priority.

Steve: Very poor Chelsea performance. You can't fit square pegs into round holes. These seconds string squad players are just not good enough. We have about nine really good players in the total squad - after that, just drivel. And it doesn't help playing them in the wrong position.