Real Madrid vs PSG: 5 players who will decide the outcome  

The reigning champions host Paris Saint-Germain at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in what promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the season. Real Madrid finished in second place, behind Tottenham in group H while PSG finished on top of group B, above second-placed Bayern Munich.

Cristiano Ronaldo warmed up to the contest with a perfect hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the weekend La Liga fixture. Both teams have a star-studded forward line featuring Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Edinson Cavani. It will definitely boil down to who defends well and most important of all, who hold their nerves better.

On that note, let's have a look at the players who will have a big say in the outcome of the round of 16 fixture.

#5 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Can he keep Neymar & Co. at bay?

Sergio Ramos is not new to playing in a high-profile contest of this kind. The Spaniard is one of the most successful and experienced defenders in the world right now. He played a stellar role for the Galacticos in their previous Champions League triumphs and is expected to do the same on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid captain will expect a busy night. It is never easy defending against the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani and Sergio Ramos will be doing the tough job of trying to keep them at bay.

Also, the 31-year-old is a big goal threat from set pieces and it is important for PSG defenders to keep him under check. The Spaniard has scored 70 goals for Real Madrid, an unbelievable number for a centre-back. He will play a huge role on the night.

#4 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Real Madrid is one of the biggest games of his career

First biggest test of his character and temperament. With his pace and power, the 19-year-old is an important player for Unai Emery. With Edinson Cavani doubtful for the fixture, expect Kylian Mbappe to start alongside Neymar and Angel di Maria in attack.

The Frenchman has shown last season that he can play at the highest level with some scintillating displays against Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. He scored 6 goals in just 536 minutes of European football last season.

He is in stunning form this season too with 15 goals and 11 assists, which includes 4 goals and 3 assists in Champions League. His aerial presence and ability to hold the ball well is a big threat for Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane will not have a minute of peace with Mbappe lurking around.

#3 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Can he make a difference against PSG?

Gareth Bale is in perfect shape ahead of the Wednesday night Champions League fixture. Since his injury return in January, the Welshman has scored 4 goals in 5 starts for Real Madrid. He started the weekend game against Real Sociedad on the bench and was lively in his 17-minute cameo.

Gareth Bale poses a big goal threat for Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 fixture. He is one of the best wingers in the world and his pace, strength, and acceleration hold the key to Real Madrid's attacking play. He is phenomenal in one-on-one situations and in set pieces. Thiago Silva and Marquinhos will find it hard to contain the flying Welshman.

PSG will play cautiously away from home at the Santiago Bernabeu and Bale's crossing from wide areas will be the key to unlocking PSG's defence. On his day, there is no stopping Gareth Bale.

#2 Neymar Jr (Paris Saint-Germain)

Time to prove his huge price tag

The most expensive footballer in the world will definitely be a key player for Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Santiago Bernabeu is not an unknown venue for the Brazilian and he has played some memorable games at Real Madrid's home.

With 28 goals and 14 assists, the Brazilian is in stunning form this season for Paris Saint-Germain. In the Champions League this season, Neymar found the back of the net on 6 occasions and also assisted 3 more for his teammates.

His vision, passing, energy, and finishing holds the key to PSG's success at the Santigo Bernabeu. The battle between Neymar and Sergio Ramos will certainly be one of the most interesting aspects of the game.

The pair has given us some intriguing moments in the past and expect nothing different this time around. Keeping Neymar quiet will definitely top the list of Zidane's tactics on Wednesday night.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Ronaldo is getting back to his usual best

Cristiano Ronaldo is back. Though the second half of 2017 was dreadful for the Real Madrid star, he has started 2018 in typical fashion. The Portuguese star has scored 7 goals in 6 starts for Real Madrid this calendar year. He is getting back to his belligerent best and goals are beginning to flow for him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in the attack on Wednesday. On his day, the 33-year-old is capable of winning the game single-handedly and Unai Emery is no doubt aware of the threats he poses.

His direct approach to the game will cause a lot of problems for the Paris Saint-Germain defenders. He is also a big threat from set pieces and corners. Ronaldo is not new to big games and the pressure is definitely on PSG to stop the 5 time Ballon d'Or winner.