Predictions
Chelsea FC fans may feel uneasy about the referee appointment for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Liam Rosenior will lead his side to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, with the two European heavyweights meeting in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Alejandro Hernández Appointed
Spanish referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez has been selected to officiate the match — a decision that may concern Chelsea supporters given the club’s past record under his watch.
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Hernández has already overseen one of Chelsea’s European fixtures this season, and it ended in disappointment for the Blues. He was the referee during Chelsea’s 2–1 defeat to Atalanta BC, which turned out to be the final European match in charge for former manager Enzo Maresca.
That was not the only time Chelsea suffered under the Spaniard. He also officiated their 2–1 loss to Legia Warsaw in last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
As a result, Chelsea have lost both matches in which Hernández has been the referee.
PSG Not in Perfect Form
Despite that record, there are reasons for Chelsea to feel optimistic.
PSG recently suffered a 3–1 defeat to AS Monaco in Ligue 1, and manager Luis Enrique has admitted his side are currently struggling with confidence.
That could give Chelsea an opportunity to take advantage in Paris.
Blues Have History Against PSG
Chelsea will also take belief from their meeting last summer in the FIFA Club World Cup final, when they stunned PSG to lift the trophy.
On that occasion, Ousmane Dembele endured a difficult night, while Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez delivered an outstanding performance to secure the victory.
Now the two sides meet again in Europe, and with the tie finely balanced historically, the upcoming clash in Paris promises to be another fascinating chapter in their rivalry.
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