Starting XI: Real v PSG

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zinedine Zidane, Kylian Mbappe could all write subplots in the UEFA Champions League clash of the week between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – here is how both teams line up.

UEFA Champions League

Teams: Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain

Date: 14 February 2018

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

Both teams have met twice in the knockout stages of European competitions and PSG knocked Real out on both occasions – back in 1992/93 in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals and a year later in the European Cup Winner’s Cup.

However, the last time the two European giants met was in the Champions League group stage in 2015/16 when they drew 0-0 in Paris, while Real beat PSG 1-0 in Spain.

Real will be looking to reach the UCL quarter-finals for the eighth successive year, having last been knocked out at this stage in 2010. The home side have won 33 of their last 39 UCL home clashes, losing just one – a 4-3 defeat against Schalke in 2014/15.

PSG, meanwhile, will hope to forget last season’s round of 16 exit when they beat FC Barcelona 4-0 at home but lost the second leg 6-1 at the Camp Nou.

The French giants have won seven of their last 12 away games in the competition, with their 3-1 loss at Bayern Muncih in the last group stage match particularly worrying for Unai Emery’s side, who have hardly been tested in Ligue 1.

All eyes will be on Ronaldo, who is yet to score against the French giants, while PSG will hope Neymar can continue his inspired form that has seen him score 28 goals and assisting in another 16 in just 27 games.  

Read: Reports: Why Ronaldo Waved Finger At Real Fans

Here’s how both teams line up:

Real Madrid: Navas, Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Paris Saint-Germain: Areola; Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Yuri; Rabiot, Lo Celso, Verratti; Mbappe, Cavani, Neymar.

Who do you think will win the first clash tonight? Have your say in the comments section below.