If there is ever an excellent chance for any team to beat Real Madrid, PSG are that team as they face an injury scathed Real Madrid side. With several key players injured for Rafael Benitez, this is the best chance PSG will have in ages to get the better of a Real Madrid side
Here are 5 Key Battles that will decide the outcome of this fixture…
Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Thiago Silva
Talking about blessing in disguise and the injury to David Luiz – which the Brazilian adopted during the International break could be just that for PSG. With no disrespect to the 50-Million Pound signing that PSG brought from Chelsea, Luiz proved to be a liability for PSG in big matches in Europe last Season.
Thus, with the absence of David Luiz from PSG and Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will go head to head with Thiago Silva on Wednesday. They have never faced each other before at club level, and that is what will make this battle more exciting.
Edinson Cavani Vs Danilo
If there is one area Laurent Blanc would mark the exploitable zone in the Real Madrid defense, it is more than likely that he would mark the right back spot of Real Madrid. Danilo is relatively naïve to big European Games and in Edinson Cavani, PSG has a veteran who could teach Danilo a lesson in this game.
Looking at another side of the picture, Danilo has a chance in a lifeline to present his case for a first team action. While stopping Edinson Cavani might be a task that would be too big for the Brazilian, he would have to mitigate the danger that the Uruguayan will offer to the Real Madrid defense.
Isco Vs Maxwell
At 34-years of age and having loads of experience under his belt, Maxwell will undergo one of his toughest test of this Season when Isco comes along his way. The Spaniard – 23 years of age, is one of the most exciting prospects in the European football, and he will be itching to prove his mettle at the top stage on Wednesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Vs Sergio Ramos
Coming into this match having scored 8 goals in his last 7 appearances for club and country, Zlatan would be hoping to end his big match hoodoo against Real Madrid. His start to the Ligue 1 Season didn’t go according to the script as he managed just one goal in the first six games. However, for a striker who has turned 34 this Season, Ibrahimovic has come back with a bang.
Talking about Sergio Ramos and the Spaniard might not entertain the thought of stopping Zlatan Ibrahimovic from what he does best. Coming back from an injury that he sustained in the Madrid derby before International break, this will be his first appearance for Real Madrid in quite some time.
Angel Di Maria Vs Marcelo
If everything had gone according to a plan, both these players would be complementing each other in Madrid jersey on Wednesday. However, thanks to some questionable decision making by Di Maria which led him to travel half of Europe before finding his feet in Paris this season.
It is not a hindered fact that Marcelo likes to attack – his daunting runs before delivering he killer ball into the opposition half has destroyed many teams. However, in Di Maria he would be facing an opponent who likes to play long balls.
Thus, in addition to providing his team-mates the necessary help in the offense, Marcelo will have to make sure that Di Maria doesn’t get the space with which he can exploit the Real Madrid defense.
