Chelsea hold mental advantage over PSG in Champions League last-16, says Branislav Ivanovic

Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2015 by skysports.com

Chelsea hold mental advantage over PSG in Champions League last-16, says Branislav Ivanovic
Branislav Ivanovic: Celebrates giving Chelsea the lead

Branislav Ivanovic believes Chelsea hold a 'psychological advantage' in their Champions League last-16 tie with Paris St-Germain, after the sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes in the first leg on Tuesday.

Ivanovic scored the opening goal of the game - his third in five matches - with a precise header from John Terry’s cross and Gary Cahill’s flick, but Chelsea could not add to their tally and were on the back-foot for much of the second half.

Edinson Cavani scored the hosts’ equaliser shortly after the restart with a free header, but Ivanovic claims the “positive” result will mentally favour Chelsea heading into the second leg.

"It’s a very important goal for the team,” said Ivanovic. “Maybe we have a bit of a psychological advantage but these types of games are very difficult.

"We played well and had a lot of possession of the ball in the first half and we deserve the positive result from the first game.”

Ivanovic conceded PSG’s attacking approach made it difficult for Chelsea to defend, but added Cavani’s equaliser does not change the complexion of the tie.

"They have three proper strikers who play all of the game and they all wanted to score, so it is very difficult defensively to close all of those things,” he added.

"We conceded the goal, but I think with this or goal or without this goal changes nothing for the game in London.”

Chelsea successfully overturned a 3-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge when the two sides met in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season.