5 reasons why Real Madrid could beat PSG in the UEFA Champions League
The clash between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has easily been the most talked-about event in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 this season.
Los Blancos’ transfer target Kylian Mbappe scored the winner in the first-leg, sealing a 1-0 win for the hosts at the Parc des Princes after Lionel Messi missed a penalty for the Parisians. Mauricio Pochettino’s men will make the trip to Madrid this week, hoping to slay the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners in their own backyard.
Los Merengues were completely outplayed by the French giants in the first leg as they took a more conservative approach. At the Santiago Bernabeu, they are expected to play with more authority, which could make life a lot more difficult for the Ligue 1 leaders.
In anticipation of the mouthwatering second-leg, we will be taking a look at a few reasons why Los Blancos could have the upper hand this week.
Here are five factors that could influence Real Madrid's comeback in the Champions League last-16 return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night:
#5 PSG star Kylian Mbappe’s knock
Having produced multiple match-winning performances this season, Kylian Mbappe has easily been PSG’s best player this season.
Unfortunately for Les Parisiens, the Frenchman, who scored the winner in the first leg, remains a doubt for Wednesday’s return leg.
🚨🚨🚨 Mbappe doesn’t have a fracture, everyone was worried because of the strong blow, but his participation against Real Madrid remains in doubt. [L’Equipe] https://t.co/jJcH6gr7ZX
The 23-year-old suffered a knock to his foot during team training on Monday morning. The forward had to leave training and was attended to immediately.
Fortunately, he has not suffered a fracture but severe pain could keep him from helping PSG against Los Blancos at the Bernabeu.
In his absence, former Madrid man Angel Di Maria could come into the right-wing, allowing Lionel Messi to operate as a false nine.
#4 A rejuvenated Real Madrid midfield
At the Parc, Carlo Ancelotti went with the experienced midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro.
Courtesy of Ancelotti’s conservative tactics and PSG’s high pressing, Los Blancos’ midfield trio struggled to play out of difficult situations. Their defensive midfielder, Casemiro, in particular, was easily outclassed and even outmuscled by the men in blue.
With Casemiro suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Ancelotti is likely to bring either Fede Valverde or Eduardo Camavinga into the fold. Both players are excellent at beating the press and carrying the ball from midfield. With either of the two youngsters in the lineup, Real Madrid are likely to have a lot of joy connecting the midfield with attack.
Valverde x Camavinga - No Chruch In The Wild https://t.co/FbaZcfYDse
Central midfielder Toni Kroos is also a major doubt for the game against Les Parisiens.
If the German fails to make the cut, we could see Isco in the lineup - someone who has a knack for producing top-drawer performances against high-quality opponents.