Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Chelsea midfielder Mikel says he had to foul PSG's Lucas
Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Chelsea midfielder Mikel says he had to foul PSG's Lucas

Published Feb. 17, 2016 5:07 a.m. ET

John Obi Mikel has dismissed criticism over his part in Paris Saint-Germain's opening goal as Chelsea lost in the Champions League last-16 first leg, insisting he had to foul Lucas Moura.

The midfielder was penalized for bringing down the Brazilian just over 25 yards from goal, before turning his back on Zlatan Ibrahimovic's strike which deflected off him and into the net.

Mikel, though, made amends with the last action of the first half, taking advantage of slack defending in the PSG penalty area to hammer home from a corner.

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"I had to fall in because Lucas was going deeper and deeper into our 18-yard box," Mikel told BT Sport. "I had to - if not get the ball - foul him, which I did.

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