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The Champions League makes its much-awaited return on Tuesday night and Real Madrid are up against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a blockbuster Round of 16 encounter. With 13 Champions League titles, Los Blancos are the most successful team in the competition and will be more than aware of the threat PSG carry.
Real Madrid will be up against Lionel Messi in the Champions League tonight
Real Madrid have suffered a slight slump in form on the domestic front and need to be careful to avoid any slip-ups against a star-studded PSG outfit. Los Blancos will be reacquainted with Lionel Messi, who has starred in numerous El Clasicos in the past.
Los Blancos legend Sergio Ramos, who joined PSG at the start of the 2021-22 season, is ruled out due to injury, denying fans the opportunity to see him face his former side.
We now take a look at Real’s probable lineup against the Parisians tonight. A 4-3-3 formation has been chosen for their XI.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
It goes without saying that Thibaut Courtois will need to bring his A-game to tonight's fixture. The Belgian will undoubtedly be tested by PSG’s fearsome attack who are always hungry for goals.
Apart from two games in the Copa del Rey, Courtois has played every single minute for Real Madrid this season. He has kept 14 clean sheets, including four in the Champions League group stages. The 29-year-old will be well aware that his impressive record so far is under threat.
Courtois has been a regular feature for Real Madrid ever since he signed for them back in 2018. The Belgian has never won the Champions League and will be eager to get his hands on the prestigious prize this season.
Right-back: Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal has bags of experience playing in the Champions League with Real Madrid. The right-back has won the Champions League on four occasions with Los Blancos and is used to playing against tough opposition.
The Spaniard has had several injury issues this season and also contracted the coronavirus recently. He was back in Real’s starting XI at the start of the month and should start against PSG as well.
Carvajal’s recent performances in La Liga have been pretty sub-standard, and he seemed to lack his usual dynamism. The 30-year-old will need to be focused at all times against PSG’s lightning-quick attack.
Center Back: David Alaba
David Alaba has plenty of experience playing in the Champions League and Real will rely on the Austrian to nullify threats at the back. Alaba has played every single minute of the group stages and will certainly start against PSG.
Real Madrid signed Alaba at the start of the 2021-22 season to replace Sergio Ramos, who joined the Parisians. The 29-year-old signed for Los Blancos from Bayern Munich, with whom he has already won two Champions League titles.
Alaba’s ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations will be key, especially in such a big game. The Austrian also has a knack for scoring goals and is particularly lethal in dead-ball scenarios.
Center-back: Eder Militao
David Alaba’s partner at the back will be Eder Militao. The Brazilian has been one of the best center-backs in La Liga and has put in solid performances in other competitions as well. Militao will be up against some world-class talent in the clash against PSG which will test the Brazilian’s caliber.
This is Militao’s first full season as a starter, and he replaces Raphael Varane, who has departed to join Manchester United. The 24-year-old’s ability to marshal Real's backline has been world-class so far and he will need to rely on the same against PSG.
Militao has been linked with current Champions League holders Chelsea, who are looking to reinforce their defense. Los Blancos have a real gem on their hands and will surely give any potential buyers a hard time.
Left-back: Ferland Mendy
Real Madrid signed Ferland Mendy in the summer of 2019 after his impressive displays in Ligue 1. The Frenchman joined Real from Lyon for a fee of €48 million and has been a joy to watch on the left flank.
Mendy missed out on a lot of action at the start of the season due to injury. He was sidelined once again in late January but he seems to be fit for the game against PSG. Fortunately for Ancelotti, Mendy’s return saves him the hassle of changing formation or relying on Marcelo, who is well past his prime.
If PSG stick to their usual playstyle, Mendy will most likely be up against Angel Di Maria. The Frenchman will need to be on his toes to deny the Argentinean any goalscoring chances from the wing.
CM: Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos has always been a reliable presence in Real Madrid’s midfield and continues to put in solid performances. The German has won four Champions League titles with Madrid and will be a key figure in the game against PSG.
PSG’s devastating pace upfront can exploit Madrid’s backline and winning midfield battles will be absolutely crucial. Kroos’ composure and technical prowess will help his forwards find the necessary space and time to create an opening.
Kroos has often been underappreciated because he tends to stick to the basics and seldom displays flashy skills. However, the 32-year-old has continued to be one of the best in his position in recent seasons and should start against PSG tonight.
CM: Casemiro
Casemiro has been Real Madrid's enforcer in midfield over the past several years. The Brazilian's strong and aggressive playstyle has enabled him to bully opponents off the ball and win challenges with ease.
The no-nonsense defensive midfielder has plenty of know-how in high pressure situations, especially in the Champions League. Casemiro has played in every match of the group stages and should start against PSG as well.
The 29-year-old will be wary of the fact that a booking in the first-leg will lead to him missing the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu. However, his presence in midfield is absolutely necessary against PSG and Ancelotti will not take the risk of keeping him out of the starting XI.
CM: Luka Modric
Luka Modric forms the final piece of Real Madrid’s midfield triad. The Croatian is one of the best midfielders across Europe and has vast experience playing in the Champions League. Modric has been a key figure in the club's previous Champions League triumphs over the 2010s.
Ancelotti used Modric as a late substitute in the match against Villareal last Saturday. The Croatian seems to be well-rested for the clash against PSG in the Champions League and is almost guaranteed to start the game.
The Ballon d'Or winner may not be in his prime anymore but continues to prove his outstanding ability on the pitch. Modric has won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid in the past and will look to add another to his collection this season.
RW: Marco Asensio
Carlo Ancelotti will have quite a few stars to choose from for the right-wing position. Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes, and Gareth Bale are all potent threats in the attacking third, but Ancelotti might favor the Spaniard tonight.
Although Asensio has not been a regular starter for Real, his versatility has been a blessing for the club at times. The 26-year-old can be effective in any position in the frontline, making him a terrific utility player.
Asensio was particularly impressive in Real Madrid's clash against Granada earlier this month, scoring the only goal of the game. His form and confidence are both on the rise and he should be chosen against PSG.
LW: Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. had a slow start to life at Madrid, but he has truly shown what he is capable of this season. The 21-year-old has 15 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. Vinicius is also amongst the most valuable players in the world, valued at €100 million by transfermarkt.
Vinicius has put in spectacular performances across all competitions and will definitely be a starter in the game against PSG. The Brazilian has perfectly complimented Karim Benzema this season and led Madrid’s attack in style.
Real Madrid’s lead of four points in La Liga would probably not exist without the contributions of Vinicius. He has played every minute in the Champions League so far and will be one to watch out for in the game against PSG. Fans will be treated by the best of Brazil, especially if Neymar also starts tonight.
ST: Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid fans quite the scare when he left the pitch clutching his hamstring in the game against Elche in January. Benzema has made positive progress following his injury and should be able to start against PSG.
The Frenchman has been in top form in La Liga, scoring goals at a stunning rate. He has scored 17 goals, which is the best in the league and has also provided seven assists. Benzema has five goals in five group stage matches and will be hungry for more.
The 34-year-old has arguably been Madrid’s best player this season and it is vital for him to start against PSG provided he is fit. Benzema has won the Champions League four times, and knows how difficult it is to lift the prestigious trophy. He will look to continue his fine goalscoring form against PSG tonight.
