Defending champions Real Madrid are all set to face the mighty challenge of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in the first leg of Champions League’s round of 16.
A few clashes of this magnitude have been as zero-sum at this stage of the campaign, ever.
This is Real Madrid's lifeline. As for PSG, in some ways, the impact could be even greater. They'll still have trophies to play for and win, but their battle is as much legal and financial.
Start with Madrid, winners of three of the past four Champions League crowns and their numerical horror show of being 17 points behind arch-rival Barcelona in La Liga, albeit with a largely irrelevant game in hand and on pace for their lowest points total in 11 years.
📋 Here's our squad for tomorrow's big #RMUCL clash against @PSG_English! 👇 pic.twitter.com/B2f1SQYPBF
— Real Madrid C.F.🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@realmadriden) February 13, 2018
They were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Leganes, a club playing in only their second ever top-flight season. Indeed, Real Madrid wouldn't even be facing the juggernaut that is PSG if not for finishing second in the League’s group stage.
PSG, meanwhile, are in flying form in Ligue 1 and are 12 points clear of nearest challengers Monaco. However, if we take a look at the players, all the eyes will on world’s most expensive player Neymar, who now plays for PSG. This will be a huge task for the Brazilian as it is the time to pay off his price tag.
PSG squad for tomorrow's @ChampionsLeague showdown with @realmadriden !! 👊🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/d8sFuCwMQk
— PSG English (@PSG_English) February 13, 2018
Neymar will not be the only one catching the attention of the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs no introduction and everyone know how he operates in the league. The leading goal scorer in the history of the tournament will be even more focused in the game as Maderistas are defending their title.
With nothing to lose for Real Madrid, they are even more dangerous, while PSG will be under tremendous pressure as they have spent so much money to reach at this stage.
The match will kick off at 12:45 AM (PST) on Thursday at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.