The Madrid-PSG clash did not disappoint. It was a pulsating game from start to finish with flashes of brilliance shown in all departments from both teams. In the end, it was Real Madrid that managed to come from a goal down to record a 3 – 1 victory over PSG giving themselves a cushion as they go into the second leg in Paris. Madridstas who bet online before the game would not have been disappointed as star man continued his impressive goal scoring form in the Champions League netting his 100th and 101 Real Madrid Champions League goals.
Key duels
Going into the match, many were looking at the attacking prowess of the two teams and they thought that’s where all the action will be. It never was, however. The one area in which the game was won and lost was in the centre of the field. Toni Kroos ran the game from start to finish providing the highest number of successful passes and the most number of key passes in the opposition half. Together with Luka Modric and anchor, Casemiro, Madrid’s midfield managed to shift the ball quickly from defence to attack making it a good end-to-end match. For PSG, it seemed the quick yellow card for Le Celso disrupted their tactics, as he had to hold back challenges for most of the game giving the impetus to Madrid.
Experience decides the match
Madrid left it late but in the end, the team’s character and strength showed as they scored two late goals. With the midfield stabilising the game, Madrid’s attackers had the room to probe further up the pitch and Asensio did just that. When he came onto the field, he was deployed high further up the pitch and it is that position that he continuously found the room to cause problems for PSG. It took a beautiful cross from Asensio that ricochet off Ronaldo’s knee into the net and another impressive holding of the ball allowing Marcelo to give Madrid a comfortable cushion.
With the next match set in a couples of weeks’ time, Real Madrid will be hoping that they can finish off the job in Paris. It’s clear now a nil all draw in Paris will be enough to take the team to the next round but it’s no guarantee that PSG will not score especially considering the attacking talent they have at their disposal and the home advantage. What that means is that Real Madrid will have to go in Paris looking for win and that they should aim at drawing the first blood with a quick goal.
In that quest, the chosen midfield on the day will have to face a stern test. They have to shield a defence that has performed below expectations this season while providing the outlet for the attacking players. Two of the consistent Real Madrid midfield in Toni Kroos and Luka Modric face tests before the huge game and its every Madridrista’s prayer that they pass. If not then Isco and possibly Kovavic will have to fill in the shoes of the two players.