Stubborn resistance and a Branislav Ivanovic header earned Chelsea a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last-16 first leg with Paris St Germain at Parc des Princes.

Jose Mourinho's men are well placed to advance to the quarter-finals after Ivanovic netted a vital away goal, although Edinson Cavani equalized and PSG showed enough for Chelsea to be wary in the second leg on March 11.

Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals at PSG's expense last term on away goals after losing 3-1 in Paris and Demba Ba's last-gasp strike in the return in London.

The Blues had won just once in six prior attempts on French soil, at PSG in Mourinho's first European match as boss in September 2004.

With striker Diego Costa restored following his disputed three-match ban for stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can and returns for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defender Gary Cahill and playmaker Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea were at full strength against an injury-depleted PSG, who started with former Chelsea defender David Luiz in midfield.

Luiz stated on the eve of the match that Chelsea were a better team than last season and they fared better than on their last trip to Paris.

Chelsea's bus became stuck entering the stadium and Zlatan Ibrahimovic caused the visitors all kinds of difficulties once the match began.

Courtois made three saves from headers in the first half, the pick from Cavani, before Ivanovic's header against the run of play.

Cavani equalized after losing Cahill to meet Blaise Matuidi's cross and both the Uruguay striker and Ibrahimovic had chances to double PSG's lead.

The Swede was denied by Courtois in stoppage time to leave Chelsea in control of the tie heading to Stamford Bridge.

There are three weeks and a day before the return, by which time Chelsea's confidence may be boosted by silverware, with the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham on March 1 (on beIN SPORTS and DishWorld for viewers in the United States).

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