Vitinha Reflects on PSG’s Challenging but Convincing Champions League Triumph Over Chelsea

Vitinha expressed his satisfaction after Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-0 victory against Chelsea in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, contributing to an 8-2 aggregate win. Speaking to DAZN, the Portuguese midfielder highlighted that although the aggregate score suggests a dominant performance, the reality of the tie was much more demanding.

"We must give credit where it's due, and we earned it, here and in Paris," Vitinha said, emphasizing the effort required to overcome a strong Chelsea side. He pointed out that the wide margin of victory might give the impression that the matches were easier than they truly were. "We knew what we had to put into practice, but knowing and doing are two different things. It wasn't easy, but we did it spectacularly," he added, underlining the difference between preparation and execution on the pitch.

The midfielder also praised the collective performance of the team, describing it as a "great game by the entire team" that deserves congratulations. This collective effort was key to PSG's success, reflecting the squad's cohesion and determination throughout both legs of the tie. Vitinha’s comments highlight the importance of teamwork in achieving such a convincing result against a reputable English club.

Looking ahead, Vitinha acknowledged the upcoming challenge as PSG prepare to face either Galatasaray or Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Despite PSG’s positive history against English teams, he downplayed any preference for the next opponent, stating, "I have no preference; we will be prepared." His remarks show a focus on readiness and adaptability, regardless of who advances from the other tie.

Finally, Vitinha stressed the need to celebrate this milestone but also to quickly shift focus back to domestic competitions. "We have to celebrate and enjoy because soon we will be playing for the league, and we need to shift our focus to another competition. We are in the quarter-finals," he concluded. PSG’s progression to this stage marks an important step in their Champions League campaign, and maintaining momentum will be crucial as they balance multiple objectives this season.