Kudos for Cavani, but Chelsea retains hope

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc heaped praise on Edinson Cavani after the Uruguayan played the role of super-sub to give his side a 2-1 win over Chelsea in its Champions League last 16, first leg encounter on Tuesday.

Cavani replaced Lucas in the 74th minute at Parc des Princes and four minutes later he beat Thibaut Courtois with a first-time finish from an Angel di Maria assist to ensure the French champion will take a lead to London for the second leg next month.

It was just his second goal of 2016 after a difficult spell which has seen the player signed for a French record transfer fee of $71 million from Napoli lose his place as a regular starter.