3 takeaways from PSG's victory over Chelsea: Cavani haunts Blues again

Advantage: Paris Saint-Germain.

For the third year running, PSG welcomed Chelsea in the first leg of the knockout phase of the Champions League. However, unlike what transpired one year ago, Les Parisiens exited the Parc des Princes with a 2-1 victory, as a deflected free-kick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a composed finish from Edinson Cavani ultimately trumped a determined performance by the Blues.

Here are three takeaways from a highly entertaining encounter:

Cavani really doesn't like Chelsea

Edinson Cavani required less than five minutes to continue his trend of leaving Chelsea for dead.

After Laurent Blanc opted for Lucas Moura in PSG's starting lineup, the Uruguayan forward finally took the pitch in the 74th minute and promptly scored in the 78th, sliding the ball past Thibaut Courtois in casual fashion.

It was an all-too-familiar scene for Chelsea supporters, as Cavani scored an equaliser when PSG hosted the Blues one year ago.

Related - VIDEO: Di Maria serves up delicious assist, Cavani nets late winner vs. Chelsea

However, the Danubio product's disdain for the London club dates back to his time at Napoli:

Mikel's away goal vital for Chelsea's survival hopes

If PSG and Chelsea have learned anything from their past two encounters in the Champions League, it's the importance of away goals.

When Chelsea eliminated PSG in 2013-14, the Blues did so on away goals after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate. When PSG knocked out Chelsea the following season, the French side flipped the script, winning on away goals by the same scoreline.

This is precisely what makes John Obi Mikel's (rare) goal at the Parc des Princes so important for Chelsea's hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals.

A 1-0 victory in the second leg at Stamford Bridge is all Chelsea needs to advance on away goals.

Marquinhos, Maxwell deserve respect

At a club whose midfield and front line are among the most feared in Europe, PSG's full-backs Marquinhos and Maxwell aren't given their fair share of praise.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Marquinhos (on the right) and Maxwell (on the left) caused no shortage of problems for Chelsea, surging forward and joining PSG's attack with zero fear of being caught out of position on a counterattack.

Such ambition will likely be less prevalent in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 9, when Les Parisiens will likely take on a more pragmatic approach. However, the duo deserve props for what was a thoroughly well-rounded display at the Parc des Princes.