Chelsea Football Club’s David Barnard has expressed confidence despite being drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, the defending UEFA Champions League winners, in the Round of 16 stage.
The draw, conducted on Friday, February 27, 2026, sets Chelsea to face the French champions, with the first legs scheduled for March 10 and 11 and the return legs on March 17 and 18.
Speaking after the draw, Barnard told the BBC, “It’ll be tough but it holds no fear for us,” underscoring Chelsea’s readiness to compete against Europe’s elite. Chelsea qualified directly to the round of 16, while PSG secured their spot via the playoffs, defeating AS Monaco 5-4 on aggregate over two legs.
The tie promises to be one of the standout fixtures in the round, with Chelsea aiming to challenge the defending champions and advance further in Europe’s premier club competition.
