Bring out all the supporter hoods and grab yourself a popcorn, as the UEFA Champions League returns for its round of 16 this week and brings an enticing encounter between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain at the former’s home - Santiago Bernabeu on wednesday.
In what promises to be a colossal affair, both sides enter the fray with a lot at stake, as Les Parisiens look to break through the glass ceiling and finally lift the coveted big ears, whilst Madrid’s lost everything except this race to become the european champion for the third consecutive time!
The first and the most important part for both teams would be an ideal playing combination. The situation will be trickier for Zidane, he has a tough job to pick starting 11, whether to go with 4-3-3- placing BBC in attack with Modric, Casemiro and Kroos in the middle and Isco, Asensio, Vazquez, Kovacic on the bench also, he would have to pick up between in form Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale. Both players are undoubtedly very talented as well as vital but there would be place only for one. The Spanish youngster has shown good game alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and proved himself everytime on the pitch. On the other hand, Gareth Bale has struggled with some injuries but he has always been a star player in matches he has played. 4-4-2 is also something Zidane can go for, with Isco joining the starting XI while Gareth Bale on bench.
PSG looks as strong as anyone else with some big signings this summer like Neymar and Mbappe and their spectacular performances in League 1 poses a greater threat to Real Madrid. PSG hit the highest goals, 25 in the group stage matches while conceding only 4! It includes two clashes with one of the favourites FC Bayern Munich.
One thing that every football fan would be awaiting for in this match would be the majestic midfield battle between the two sides. The last time the two sides met in the Spanish capital, PSG thoroughly dominated their Spanish rivals. If PSG go by the traditional 4-3-3, they will play with Adrian Rabiot, Marco Veratti, Julian Draxler in the midfield or may be Pastore can start as he has been in great touch so far.
So it has said to be said that there is a lot riding on this for both sides. PSG for all their star-studded squad haven’t come up big in the European competition and they need to prove themselves this time with their best squad so far. And if Real Madrid fails this time, they will end up with empty hands this season and it will prove out to be the worst year of this decade.
Whatever happens will be the eyeful to watch.
