Chelsea endured one of their worst-ever two-legged European defeats, crashing out 8-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 loss to reigning champions Paris St-Germain at Stamford Bridge.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck early, scoring inside six minutes, before Bradley Barcola doubled PSG’s advantage in the 14th minute with their second attempt on goal.
That effectively killed off the tie, and substitute Senny Mayulu added a third late on to deepen Chelsea’s misery in the last-16 clash.
Frustration spilled over among the home fans, with chants directed both at former owner Roman Abramovich and the current ownership watching from the directors’ box.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior acknowledged the supporters’ anger. He admitted fans expect immediate success given the club’s stature and said he fully understands their disappointment, especially after such a heavy aggregate defeat. He added that both he and the team are determined to deliver better performances and memorable nights moving forward, describing the manner of the exit as particularly hard to accept.
PSG’s opener came after hesitant defending from Mamadou Sarr allowed Kvaratskhelia to pounce and fire a low shot into the net. Chelsea responded with attacking intent through Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Trevoh Chalobah, but PSG struck again on the counter.
Moises Caicedo was dispossessed in midfield, leading to a swift break, and Barcola controlled brilliantly with his weaker foot before volleying into the top corner.
Despite creating chances through Joao Pedro, Palmer and Jorrel Hato, Chelsea remained vulnerable on the break, with Kvaratskhelia and Barcola continuing to threaten.
The Blues were booed off at half-time, prompting Rosenior to replace Sarr with academy prospect Josh Acheampong. Joao Pedro came close early in the second half, but Rosenior soon withdrew key players including Palmer, Fernandez and Joao Pedro, signaling the game was effectively over.
Substitute Liam Delap nearly made an impact, but his close-range effort was saved before 19-year-old Mayulu curled home a superb third to seal an emphatic night and complete the 8-2 aggregate triumph.
Chelsea’s misery was compounded late on when Chalobah was stretchered off with a high ankle sprain, leaving the hosts with 10 men in the closing stages.
Rosenior later confirmed the injury and expressed concern, noting the team can ill afford to lose another defender, especially after Reece James picked up a knock at the weekend.
PSG will now face either Liverpool or Galatasaray in the quarter-finals, with the Turkish side holding a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield.
