Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may have been less influential in domestic competition this season, but the Paris Saint-Germain winger continues to deliver when it matters most — on UEFA Champions League nights.

The Georgian star was a central figure in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season. Kvaratskhelia not only scored in the final against Inter Milan, but also worked tirelessly down the left flank, pressing opponents, cutting off passing lanes and covering the forward runs of Nuno Mendes.

His arrival in January 2025 from SSC Napoli proved transformative for PSG. Head coach Luis Enrique quickly identified him as the missing piece in his attacking system.

This season, however, Kvaratskhelia has sometimes looked less comfortable — mirroring PSG’s occasional struggles as a whole. When deployed on the right wing rather than his preferred left side, he is unable to cut inside onto his stronger foot as effectively. Despite that, he remains a decisive presence, particularly in Europe.

In the Champions League, the numbers underline his importance. The winger has featured in nine matches, starting eight, and has been involved in seven goals — scoring four and providing three assists.

One of his most significant contributions came against AS Monaco in the second leg of the play-off round. His goal proved vital in a tie where PSG were far from dominant against the Principality side.

Paradoxically, though, his overall impact has appeared more scattered than last season — particularly in domestic competition. In Ligue 1 he has recorded the same statistics as last year (four goals and three assists), despite playing seven more matches.

In 2026, Kvaratskhelia has found the net only once, coming off the bench against Olympique de Marseille more than a month ago. With 13 starts in 22 appearances and eight substitutions, his influence in the league has been less decisive.

Yet the Champions League remains the stage where he truly thrives. With PSG building momentum again, their round-of-16 clash against Chelsea F.C. — seen as a chance for revenge after last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup final — represents the first major test of the season for the reigning European champions.

And it is precisely these high-stakes nights that tend to bring the best out of Kvaratskhelia.