CAVANI GOAL IS 'MASSIVE' FOR PSG, ADMITS IVANOVIC

The defender concedes the Blues endured a "difficult game" against the Ligue 1 champions but praised his side for the courage they showed after going a goal down

Branislav Ivanovic says Edinson Cavani's winner was a "massive" goal for Paris Saint-Germain as Laurent Blanc's side ran out 2-1 winners in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on Tuesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put PSG ahead with a deflected free-kick at the Parc des Princes but John Obi Mikel equalised in first-half stoppage time.

However, substitute Cavani grabbed the winner for Laurent Blanc's side 12 minutes time, beating Thibaut Courtois, who made a string of impressive saves earlier in the second half.

Nevertheless, Ivanovic - who played at centre-back as captain John Terry missed out with a hamstring injury - felt the Premier League champions proved their mettle and will fight to book a place in the quarter-finals in the return leg on March 9.

"It was a very difficult game, we tried to play our game and to score the away goal but in the end they scored a massive goal," Ivanovic told BT Sport .

"It was very difficult moment for our team because of a lot of things, but we came here with courage and we tried to score the goal.

"We had a couple of chances before they scored the second goal. We could have won the game and scored a second one.

"We lost a bit of concentration in the end and we were a little bit open, and the strikers like Paris have use every single chance.

"We have to be more careful with this kind of thing because these small details can decide a game.

"We kept fighting, it was difficult and we will try to do everything to win at home to go through."

Gary Cahill was pleased Chelsea had managed to secure an away goal, but was frustrated they could not hold on for a draw.

"Obviously we pushed for the goal tonight. We managed to get it but we're disappointed at the end, 1-1 here would've been a terrific result," he added.

"They're a fantastic team and that was very, very tough. We know how tough it is to come here, you see their record this season – not just in the league but in European competition, it's very tough here.

"It's tough when they have so many corners and final third entries. It's poised now, we know what we have to do."

Cristiano Ronaldo walks out of news conference amid away-form question

Cristiano Ronaldo walked out of a news conference on Tuesday after objecting to a question on his ability to score away from home.

Ronaldo's Real Madrid play at Roma on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

The Portuguese superstar answered a number of questions from the media -- including why he isn't friends with his teammates -- but he ended it abruptly when he was asked why he hasn't scored a goal away from the Estadio Bernabeu since November.

"Since I've been in Spain, tell me one player who has scored more goals than me away from home," Ronaldo said. "Just tell me one. You don't have one."

He then shrugged and grabbed his jacket. When the reporter continued speaking, Ronaldo ignored him, said "Bye everyone, thank you," and left the room.

This season, Ronaldo has scored 21 goals at home and 11 away. He has only played in four games away from home since his last away goal against Eibar on Nov. 29, compared to eight at home.

"It's understandable that people have doubts," Ronaldo said earlier in the news conference. "It's like with a son when you give him everything and then when you take it away, he cries. I hope I can keep this 'bad form' up until the season's end."

Ronaldo had also appeared annoyed at another question that may have been related to his statistics.

When asked about Lionel Messi's decision during a penalty to pass the ball for Luis Suarez to score on Sunday, Ronaldo replied: "Messi's penalty? I know why he did it, but I don't have more to add."

He may have been alluding to La Liga's scoring charts, where Suarez now leads Ronaldo by two goals, while playing in two fewer games.

Chelsea name Oscar on the bench, Miazga included in squad vs. PSG

Oscar drops to the bench as Chelsea take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16, with Eden Hazard, Pedro and Diego Costa continuing up front.

Chelsea FC team: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic (c), Baba Rahman; Fabregas, Mikel; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa. #PSGCHE

- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 16, 2016

Oscar only on bench after calf problem, Miazga the CB cover. Subs: Begovic, Miazga, Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Kenedy, Traore, Remy. #psg #cfc

- Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 16, 2016

On the bench, U.S. international Matt Miazga takes his place for the first time since signing in January, as Kurt Zouma has been ruled out for the season.

John Terry decided not to travel with the squad for the game after tweaking a hamstring in the first half of Chelsea's win over Newcastle on Sunday.

For PSG, Serge Aurier is not included after being suspended following his comments about coach Laurent Blanc and Marquinhos takes his place at right-back.

PSG XI vs. Chelsea: Trapp - Marquinhos, Silva (c), Luiz, Maxwell - Motta, Verratti, Matuidi - Lucas, Ibrahimovic, Di Maria. #PSGCHE #UCL

- Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) February 16, 2016

Marco Verratti is also fit enough to start with David Luiz and Thiago Silva in the middle of defence.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid squad don't need to be best friends off pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo says it does not matter how well Real Madrid players get on off the pitch -- as long as they are performing together on it.

Much has been made of the camaraderie shown by Barcelona forwards Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, particularly following their penalty combination at the weekend.

In Madrid, conversely, it is often claimed that Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema do not share a similar friendship.

However, at a news conference ahead of Madrid's Champions League round-of-16 first leg with Roma on Wednesday, Ronaldo, 31, said players do not need to be best friends away from football.

"When I was at Manchester United, we won the Champions League and there were some players I would only say 'hi' to, like [Ryan] Giggs, [Paul] Scholes or [Rio] Ferdinand," Ronaldo said. "But the harmony on the pitch was great.

"It's not necessary to go out eating with Bale, what matters is when you are on the field. What happens off it doesn't count, it matters that we are a team on it."

With that in mind, the Portugal captain is confident about his side's chances against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

"I'm feeling good and the team are good," he said. "We're working well, playing well and scoring lots of goals. Of course this is not the Primera Division, it's the Champions League, but we've got a great desire to win. These are the most difficult games on paper, but we're looking to win it.

"Whether it's Champions League, domestic league or cup, it's the same for me -- I always want to win. Tomorrow will be a great game against a great side, who are playing at home in front of their own fans, but we'll be looking to win."

Ronaldo is the record goal scorer in the Champions League, but there is one scoring record in European football's elite club competition that does not belong to him.

That -- the record for the oldest goal scorer -- instead belongs to Francesco Totti, a player he cited as a role model.

"Impressionante [impressive]!" Ronaldo said in Italian when asked what he thought of Roma's 39-year-old talisman. "Fantastic! This shows that age is not important in football. It's great that he keeps playing, it's an example to everybody that there are no limits."

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was equally lavish with his praise of Totti, who he hopes will continue to play for as long as possible.

"It's up to Totti [if he retires at the end of the season]," said Zidane, who played against Totti in the final game of his career -- the 2006 World Cup final.

"What he's done up to now has been spectacular. You've got to take your hat off to him. We'll see if he continues, but for those of us who love football, it is always a pleasure to see him on the field."

Zidane is preparing for his first Champions League game as coach and it is a prospect that excites him.

"It's special for the club, it's special for me and it's particularly special for the players," Zidane said. "The most important thing for us is being prepared, and I think we are prepared. We're physically well.

"We feel the necessary pressure to play a Champions League game. We're focused and this is the most important thing for me. The tension is right for a Champions League game."

Thiago Silva would prefer PSG to sign Neymar than Cristiano Ronaldo

Thiago Silva has said he would prefer Neymar, rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, to join Paris Saint-Germain and had already tried to convince the Barcelona star to move to France.

Brazil forward Neymar, 24, and Real Madrid attacker Ronaldo, 31, are both thought to be on PSG's list of targets for the summer window.

Asked who would be the better signing, PSG captain Silva told Le Parisien: "It's a difficult choice -- can we take both? Seriously, they are two world-class players."

But he said he would prefer to see Neymar in Paris, adding: "Yes, because I'm Brazilian. I'm like his big brother.

"We spoke a bit during the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich [in January]. I said to him: 'Come, come to play in Paris with me.' He laughed a bit, but he didn't react.

"He said: 'We'll see, we'll continue as we are, and at the end of the season you'll know what I'm going to do.'

"Neymar is 24 and is already at the top. I think that next year or the year after he will be the best player in the world if [Lionel] Messi gives up his place."

PSG have reportedly been weighing up an offer for Neymar, Ronaldo or Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic, who has hit 27 goals this season, has been tipped to leave Paris in the summer when his four-year contract comes to an end.

Asked about the situation, Silva said: "I don't know what's going on in Ibra's head or that of the president.

"But with everything that he's done this year, Ibra has made the decision of the president easier.

"To have a player like him is vital. I know that the president is intelligent and will extend his contract -- if Ibra wants to renew it."

LIGUE 1 IS TOO SMALL FOR HAZARD – HIDDINK ON PSG LINKS

The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Parc des Princes, but his boss feels a return to the French top flight would be a step backwards for his career

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink believes Ligue 1 is not competitive enough for the likes of Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to
Paris Saint-Germain.

The Belgian, who joined the Blues from French side Lille, recently claimed that it would be difficult to turn down an offer from PSG.

But while the French champions are gaining momentum in their quest to become a major threat in Europe, Hiddink believes the greatest players in the world should always strive to play in the most competitive leagues.

"[PSG] have big targets to win the Champions League," Hiddink said at a press conference.

"Step by step, they have gathered a reputation that they are very serious about becoming of the biggest teams in Europe, so this challenge I can understand.

"But it is a different league. They are now ahead, I think, by 24 points. It is not a bad league, but this team is on top of that.

"For me, I think big, big, big players always like to be in the biggest league which is the Premier League and La Liga, and also the Bundesliga.”

PLATINI: I WANT UEFA PRESIDENCY BACK BEFORE EURO 2016

The former France international was pleased with his hearing with Fifa's Appeal Committee and hopes to be back at the helm of European football's governing body before Euro 2016

Banned Uefa president Michel Platini left his Fifa Appeal Committee hearing "quite happy" and hopes to clear his name before Euro 2016.

Platini and his Fifa counterpart Sepp Blatter were both banned for eight years in December following an investigation by Fifa's Independent Ethics Committee into a payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.3m) made by world football's governing body, and authorised by Blatter, to the former France captain in February 2011.

The Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee is seeking to increase the punishment, meaning Blatter and Platini - who both deny any wrongdoing - could be handed with life bans from football.

Platini began his appeal against the ban in Zurich on Monday and was pleased with how the hearing had gone.

"It has been a really good hearing, it has been very well conducted by people who have been sincere and I'm quite happy about how it went," he said.

"Now, their interpretation - we'll see how it will go, I don't know what they are going to do, but I'm quite happy with how it went
"I'm fighting for the presidency, I'm fighting to be left in peace, to be, not exonerated, because I don't like to say this word, but I'm fighting to go against the injustice of the people who took my job away."

The 60-year-old hopes victory in his appeal could see him back at the helm of European football ahead of Euro 2016 in his home nation.

"I hope to go back to work as soon as possible," he added. "I hope to go back to the office as soon as the decision has been given by the appeal commission and then, well, prepare for Euro 2016.

"There are things to do that are important; it's been several months that I've not been working.

"I always tried to be reasonable regarding the decisions, regarding especially Uefa, so I'm waiting to go back, to work on Euro 2016, this beautiful European football party which will take place in a country called France."

I AM SURE MAN UTD ARE LOOKING AT MOURINHO - DAVID LUIZ

The PSG centre-back expects his former Chelsea boss to be back in management soon, with his links to the Blues unlikely to prevent him from moving to Old Trafford

David Luiz is sure Manchester United are looking at Jose Mourinho, and does not think his former coach would have any problems replacing Louis van Gaal.

Mourinho has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford club as Van Gaal comes under increasing pressure, and has suggested he will be back in management soon.

And the former Chelsea centre-back, who was sold to the Blues' Champions League last 16 opponents while Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge, would not be surprised if the Portuguese joins United in the near future.

“Coaches come, coaches go, it’s part of football,” Luiz told reporters. “Jose won't be out of work for long, he never is.

"You can’t dispute the success he has had - that is why I am sure Manchester United are looking at him.

“I don’t think Jose would have any problem taking the Manchester United job. Yes, he will always care for Chelsea, but Jose does what is best for Jose.”

'IT'S OBVIOUS TERRY DESERVES NEW DEAL, CHELSEA MUST SHOW HIM RESPECT' - DAVID LUIZ

The former Blues defender is perplexed by the club's unwillingness to offer the 35-year-old a new contract, insisting their "greatest ever player" deserves more respect

David Luiz has demanded Chelsea show John Terry respect, insisting that it is "obvious to everybody" that the defender deserves a new contract.

Blues icon and captain Terry is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after he revealed his contract will not be extended beyond this season, though he still has hope of prolonging his stay.

While the Premier League club have not ruled out the idea of Terry staying for at least another year, David Luiz insists they are doing their legendary centre-back an injustice by not going all out to keep him.

"John is probably Chelsea’s greatest ever player, the club need to show him some more respect," he told reporters,

"He has been clear that he wants to stay at the club, and they are making him wait for an answer.

"That is not how you treat a player who has given you so much and been a big part of so much success. The fans love John - if this is not handled well, they are not going to be happy.

"I am confused why John hasn’t been offered a new contract. He is still the best central defender at the club and one of the best in England, there should be no question about him being offered another a year.

"I really don’t know what to say, the whole situation has confused me. I think it’s obvious to everybody he deserves an extension."

The Brazilian takes on his former team on Tuesday with Paris Saint-Germain as they meet in the last-16 of the Champions League.

While PSG are in remarkable form and running away with Ligue 1, Guus Hiddink's side are massively underperforming in the Premier League, but the defender insists they cannot take their opponents for granted at the Parc des Princes.

"We have always said Chelsea’s form in the league means nothing in these two games," he added. "They are very capable in Europe, and they will be motivated for these two games.

"It is important to get a good first result in Paris. I know how Chelsea play, they won't come and just attack at us.

"They will be patient, let us attack, and then try and hurt us on the break. They have the players capable of doing this, so we must be careful."

LUIZ ADRIANO NOT INTENT ON LEAVING AC MILAN, SAYS AGENT

The 28-year-old came close to a move to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in January but his representative says he is not currently looking for another club

Luiz Adriano's agent is not aware of any new offers for the AC Milan forward, but insists the player is happy in Italy.

The Brazilian was close to joining Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in the last transfer window, but the deal collapsed at the last minute after he reportedly pulled the plug.

Reports have suggested other Chinese clubs are still interested in acquiring Luiz Adriano's services, but agent Gilmar Veloz says it is down to Milan to decide on the 28-year-old's future.

"I'm not aware of any new offers from China for Luiz Adriano," Veloz told
Calciomercato . "These are questions that should be put to the Rossoneri.

"We had the offer from Jiangsu, but you know how that ended, and I can't speak about another offer.

"We don't intend to find another club. Luiz Adriano is tied to Milan on a long contract and he's happy.

"Any negations would be totally down to Milan, but I repeat: I know nothing."

The Chinese Super League transfer window closes on February 26, but only three clubs have a spot left on their roster for a foreign player following a spate of high-profile overseas signings.