Paris v Real Madrid: line-ups, Fantasy tips, form guide
Monday, March 5, 2018
Article summary
Everything you need to know ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's meeting with Real Madrid in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.
Article top media content
Article body
- Madrid struck late to win first leg 3-1
- Ex-Madrid man Di María to replace Neymar
- Madrid have won seven successive last-16 ties
- Follow live build-up to the game right here
- How to watch the game where you are
Reporter's view: After three weeks of haunting regrets, Paris must now prove they are the real deal. The French side could not have lost Neymar at a worse time, but credible reasons for optimism abound – not least because replacement Ángel Di María has been easily their best player of 2018. Paris have also won every home game this term and will be desperate to humble the holders. Expect fireworks!
Possible line-ups
Paris: Areola; Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Kurzawa; Verratti, Thiago Motta/Diarra, Rabiot; Mbappé, Cavani, Di María
Out: Neymar (ankle)
Misses next match if booked: Neymar
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kovačić, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Out: none
Doubtful: Modrić (hamstring), Kroos (knee)
Misses next match if booked: none
Fantasy Football top point scorers
Paris: Layvin Kurzawa, defender (51 points, €6.1m)
Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo, forward (60 points, €12.5m)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Weekend results
Troyes 0-2 Paris
Real Madrid 3-1 Getafe
Form guide*
Paris: WWWWLW
Madrid: WLWWWW
*All competitions, most recent first
Unai Emery, Paris coach
It's the game of the year. It's a unique moment for all our fans and everyone who loves football in France and Paris. It's a chance for us to take a step forward. If we play the way we can, that's what will decide the game. I hope for the best possible performance from Madrid with their best players, because I want us to be better than them. We have to play with our heads as well as our hearts, but if I had to choose I'd say it's more important to play with the heart.
Zinédine Zidane, Madrid coach
Tomorrow will be tough for one of these teams, but that's football. What I want is a good football game. We know we'll suffer and it'll be tough, so I want us to be able to suffer and play well. We have to be prepared for the unexpected. We have to focus on playing a great game, for 90 minutes and perhaps more. Neymar's absence makes no difference to us. In his place, there'll be another player who wants to show what he can do.
