A much awaited shock. PSG hosts Real Madrid on Tuesday in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League in a meeting that promises to be as indecisive as it is spectacular. Here is everything you need to know about the meeting.
The probable composition of PSG
Donnarumma (or Navas) – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes – Paredes, Verratti, Danilo Pereira – Di Maria, Messi, Mbappé
The probable composition of Real Madrid
Courtois – Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos – Asensio, Benzema (or Bale), Vinicius
The referee
The match between Real Madrid and PSG will be led by Daniele Orsato. And the Parisians do not keep only good memories of the Italian referee. The latter had officiated in the final lost in August 2020 against Bayern Munich in Lisbon (1-0). He was also on the whistle in the defeat at the Etihad Stadium last November against Manchester City (2-1) and in the quarter-final reverse against Bayern Munich last April (0-1). The only good memory is the victory won on the lawn of Manchester United in 8and first leg in February 2019 (0-2).
The stadium
This shock will be played on the lawn of the Parc des Princes, where PSG have won their three group matches this season. Marquinhos’ teammates tamed Manchester City (2-0) before overthrowing RB Leipzig (3-2) and outclassing Brugge (4-1). The match will be sold out.
History
In the recent past, the two clubs have faced each other several times in the Champions League. In the same group during the 2015-2016 season, PSG and Real Madrid had parted ways in a draw at the Parc des Princes (0-0) before the Spanish club won at home in the second leg ( 1-0). Parisians and Madrid residents then met in 8and finals in 2018 with two victories for Karim Benzema’s teammates both on the way to Madrid (3-1) and on the return to Paris (1-2). During the 2019-2020 season, the two teams were once again in the same pool. And the Parisian club had largely won in the first leg (3-0) before winning a draw in the Spanish capital (2-2).
The adversary
After 24 La Liga matches, Real Madrid are at the top of the standings with four points ahead of FC Sevilla and eleven points over Betis Sevilla (3and). But the club coached by Carlo Ancelotti, who finished top of their pool ahead of Inter Milan, is one less well off. The Merengue have won only one of their last four games (2 draws, 1 loss). This series coincides with the injury of Karim Benzema, whose presence on the lawn of the Parc des Princes is uncertain. A package from the international tricolor would be a blow for the Spanish club.
The TV program
This 8and first leg of the Champions League between PSG and Real Madrid, both contenders for the final victory, will be followed live and in full from 9 p.m. on Canal + and RMC Sport 1.