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PSG take on Real Madrid in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Parc des Princes tonight (Tuesday).
The Parisians have gone from strength to strength since their QSI takeover in 2011. They won their first Ligue 1 title this century in 2012-13. Having won every league title since then except 2016-17 and 2020-21, there is no doubt about their dominance in France.
The same cannot be said about their results in the UEFA Champions League, though. The Parisians weren't strong enough to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Europe till they signed Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
PSG have their task cut out against Real Madrid
Despite seemingly having the personnel to win Europe's elite trophy, the French giants haven't got their hands on the coveted silverware yet. Their best finish in a Champions League campaign came in 2019-20, where they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.
However, with the addition of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum last summer, Mauricio Pochettino is determined to land the elusive trophy.
The Paris-based club have a 13-point lead in Ligue 1, which means they can focus on the Champions League now. However, they will have their task cut out against the 13-time winners
On that note, here's a look at five PSG players who could be key against Real Madrid tonight:
#5 Achraf Hakimi
PSG's lack of world-class full-backs has haunted them in the past. The Mauricio Pochettino-coached side had no answer to Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies in the 2020 final. With attacking full-backs being the norm across Europe, PSG bought Achraf Hakimi for €66.5 million last summer.
Hakimi started his Ligue 1 career with a bang. He accumulated three goals and two assists in the first two months of the campaign. The Moroccan has been an ever-present for the French side in the Champions League as well, having playing all 540 minutes so far.
The 23-year-old could be key against his former club on the defensive side of things. Vinicius Junior has been on fire this campaign. However, Hakimi is one of the few right-backs in the world who can match the Brazilian's pace. The tussle between the two youngsters could go a long way in determining the game's outcome.
#4 Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been in a rotation with former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Although both of them have played three games each in the Champions League this season, the Italian is expected to feature against Los Blancos tonight.
Donnarumma has done reasonably well in his maiden Champions League campaign. Not only has he made more saves than Navas, but he has also conceded fewer goals and saved a penalty too. The former Milan star will hope to keep a clean sheet at the Parc des Princes tonight if he starts.
Real Madrid have been indifferent in front of goal recently, scoring just once in their last three outings across competitions. Considering the same, the PSG shot-stopper will fancy his chances of replicating his shutout against Manchester City in the group stage earlier this season.
#3 Marquinhos
PSG captain Marquinhos has been key for the club in the last few seasons. Like Hakimi, the Brazilian has also featured in all six group games in the Champions League this campaign. His leadership and solidity at the back are worth their weight in gold for the French giants.
Marquinhos has taken over fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva at the heart of the Parisian’s defence with aplomb. The centre-back has made the most ball recoveries (30) and attempted the most clearances (32) in the competition this season. He has also been their pass master with 387 successful passes, almost 100 more than any other teammate.
The 27-year-old is considered among the best players in his position at the moment. Apart from being a reliable defender, Marquinhos is also handy in attack. He has scored nine goals, and registered three assists in the Champions League.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been the star of the show for PSG this season. The Frenchman has outperformed Lionel Messi and Neymar with ease. Mbappe, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, has scored 21 goals across competitions this campaign.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is PSG’s top scorer (12) and the highest assist maker (9) in the league this season. Mbappe has also scored four Champions League goals this campaign. Moreover, the young forward has racked up the most assists (4) and dribbles (32) for his club in this season’s competition.
Mbappe’s importance to Mauricio Pochettino’s side is evident with these numbers, but the serial goalscorer’s contract ends in a few months. With the Santiago Bernabeu looking like his most likely destination, Mbappe would love to put in a worthy audition of his prowess against his prospective new employers.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi spent 17 seasons at Barcelona, during which time he regularly went up against Real Madrid. PSG acquired the Argentine last summer to help them lift the Champions League. Five of his seven goals for the club have come in the competition.
Moreover, Messi has 26 goals and 14 assists against Real Madrid across competitions in 45 appearances. La Pulga has ended up on the winning side 19 times against Los Blancos, and has faced defeat on 15 occasions.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been poor in Ligue 1, but he has been imperious in the Champions League. So the Argentinian winger will be eager to make a mark against familiar foes in a tournament he loves playing in.
