The long-awaited clash between PSG and Real Madrid is finally here. How can the two teams face each other?

Forget Valentine’s Day, February is the month of the Champions League knockout stage for football enthusiasts. The much-loved competition is finally back and in the first eight-final we will see the most exciting and anticipated clash between PSG and Real Madrid.

Although this was not the case a few years ago, these are currently great rivals. The hatred between the two teams has been inflamed for several reasons. Already in the eighth round, two big favourites for the title, who have only the highest ambitions, will clash.

Since the away goals rule has been abolished from this season, there might not be so much tactics in the first duel. Anyway, both teams will want to create the best possible position for the rematch, especially the Parisians who then travel to Santiago Bernabéu. How could the two teams play off each other?

Real Madrid

PSG’s disjointed ranks

We saw this vividly in the duel with Manchester City. PSG’s seven players defended in a block, with a trio of stars (Neymar, Mbappé, Messi) standing in the middle waiting for a breakaway situation. Citizens, thanks to great ball possession, drew the Parisians to the whitewash and created a lot of pressure. Possession of the ball is also the domain of Real Madrid, when you have Kroos and Modric in the middle you can’t do otherwise either.

However, the question is whether the three chosen ones will take the same approach to the match. Once they cut themselves off from the rest of the team in this way, it becomes harder for the opposition to defend the pressure. So in such an important match, they probably can’t afford not to defend.

High pressing

If Real Madrid want to be in control of the match, they need to attack PSG high pressing and not allow them to get the ball to the attacking three. They need to run high pressing especially on the stopper duo of Marquinhos – Kimpembe and left-back Bernat. The centre of the Parisians midfield is extremely hardworking, Verratti, Paredes, Draxler or Wijnaldum are tremendous fighters, but ball possession is not their best side.

So in the centre of midfield, Real should outplay their opponents. If he can get the balls up top and not get the Parisian attacking trio into the game, it could be a big plus.

Watch out for Mbappé

It sounds a bit paradoxical, but Madrid need to be more careful of Mbappé. Messi hasn’t scored seven times in a row against Real Madrid, he will probably be played by Ferland Mendy, who is one of the best as far as defending is concerned. But Mbappé is like a quick rocket who is capable of striking from a single action of the match.

Fortunately, both Militao and Alaba are well equipped with speed, so they shouldn’t have that much of a problem in a sprinting duel. However, they need to keep their concentration for the full 90 minutes, as Mbappé is capable of being invisible for the entire match and then deciding.

PSG

Rely on the genius of the attacking trio

Real can have the best defence, however, if you have Neymar, Mbappé and Messi, it would be almost strange if you don’t get any chances. The players around them have to create the best service, get as many balls to them as possible and get them into the game, especially Messi. He hasn’t been doing well in recent games against Real, but historically he’s been his favourite opponent.

Standard situation

Although the Parisians don’t have many long men in their squad, Marquinhos often reigns supreme in standard situations. Moreover, Real often have big problems when defending corners, several times a player comes out all alone and he has already gotten several goals from them this season.

Eliminate the duo Benzema – Vinícius

This season, Real Madrid’s offense = Benzema and Vinícius. These two get along great, can make any defence dance and are extremely dangerous in the penalty area. However, if they are not on the pitch or the opponent manages to eliminate them, it means a huge problem for Los Blancos as Bale, Asensio, Hazard, Jovic or Rodrygo cannot replace them.

It is great news for PSG that they have Achraf Hakimi at right-back, who is one of the fastest players in the world, so they won’t have speed problems with Vinícius. On the right wing, Asensio, who likes to guide the ball into the middle with his perfect left foot, should be starting on the right wing, he has already scored several goals from outside the box this season. Bernat will have a lot to do with him.

Source: Livesport