The Champions League is back and produced a number of highlight quality goals. Chelsea traveled to Paris to take on Ligue 1 leading Paris St. Germain, while Benfica hosted Zenit St. Petersburg.
The goal of the day goes to Edison Cavani and his game winner. El Matador caught the Chelsea defense sleeping as his run left him 1-on-1 with Chelsea keeper, Thibaut Courtois. Angel Di Maria sent a long ball to Cavani who trapped it down and slotted it through the legs of the lengthy Chelsea keeper from a tough angle. Cavani's 78th minute goal will be crucial for the away leg in London.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic got on the score sheet as usual with a deflected free kick in the 39th minute. The deflection off the Chelsea wall left Courtois helpless as he was diving the other way to stop Zlatan's low strike from 20 yards out.
Chelsea equalized, though, in stoppage time of the first half. Midfielder, John Obi Mikel was rewarded for being in the right place at the right time. Diego Costa flicked on a corner kick that Mikel calmly chested down and slotted into the corner from close range.
Down in Portugal, Benfica midfielder Jonas headed home a set piece in the 91st minute. The game would finish at 1-0.
Leg 2 continues on March 9th for the four teams as Zenit St. Petersburg will host Benfica and Paris will travel to London to take on Chelsea.
Check back to The18.com each day after Champions League action to see all the goals from each UCL match day.
PSG vs Chelsea
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 39'
John Obi Mikel 45'+1
Edison Cavani 78'
Benfica vs Zenit
Jonas 90' +1