It’s the story of two ogres, one is French, the other is Spanish and this Wednesday evening around 11 p.m. one of the two will find himself on the ground. An elimination in the Champions League which will make a lot of noise and of course at PSG, we cannot imagine this outing.
Finalist of the C1 in 2020, PSG won in extremis in the first leg (1-0) against Real Madrid, 13 times crowned in the queen event (a record). A minimal victory acquired at the very end of the meeting despite a clear domination, on a masterpiece of Kylian Mbappé, who had also obtained a penalty missed by Lionel Messi.
Mbappé at the heart of the match
Touched in the left foot in training on Monday, Mbappé passed an examination described as “reassuring” by his club, before a new point which must be made on Tuesday. Parisian supporters will be suspended for news of the 23-year-old striker, who will be all the more expected in Madrid as he could wear the Real jersey in a few months, having still not extended his contract with PSG. .
Between two teams which seem launched towards the title in their respective championship and which are eliminated from their national cup, the stake is very high in order to avoid a disappointing end to the season.
Defend or attack?
It remains to be seen what attitude PSG will have on this meeting, manager of small assets or offensive team which will seek new success on the lands of its sworn enemy. In any case for Mauricio Pochettino there is no question of calculating anything on this match:
The best way to defend for a team like PSG is to attack, dominate, play in the opposing camp, as we did for 90 minutes at the Parc. We know it will be a different Madrid from the first leg, but it’s a tough game, a final. If we’re knocked out there won’t be another Champions League game this season, but I prefer to see things from a positive angle. We are competitors.
What starting 11?
If all goes well at PSG, tonight 10 of the 11 players who beat Real Madrid in the first leg should start. Only Neymar will replace Angel Di Maria. At the goalkeeper position except big surprise, Donnaruma will again keep the gloves.
PSG: Donnaruma – Hakimi, Kimpembe, Marquinhos (cap.), Nuno Mendes – Verratti, Danilo, Gueye – Neymar, Messi, Mbappé
Real Madrid – PSG, special broadcast on France Bleu Paris from 6 p.m. to midnight