This is Real Madrid’s most important match of the season as a potential PSG win on aggregate would make the following three months meaningless for Los Blancos. It’s clear that Zidane’s men will have to play with heart and attitude but they will also need to keep their composure and realize that there’s a second leg to be played. Here are three keys to a Real Madrid win.
- Control the midfield through Kroos and Modric. These two midfielders should dominate every team in Europe with a good system built around them. It’s not easy to find another team in the Champions League with two midfielders of their quality yet Real Madrid usually find themselves conceding too many chances and struggling when trying to create some for themselves. Kroos and Modric need to control the tempo of the game tonight in order to keep Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani far from Navas’ goal as often as possible.
- The BBC has to show pride. These three attackers were considered the best offensive line in football just a few years ago. Now everybody’s looking to Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani. Benzema, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo need to prove that they still have fuel left in the tank and that they can still rule the world of football.
- Use the bench properly. If the BBC starts the game, Isco, Asensio, Kovacic and Lucas Vazquez will be on the bench. Those four players are good options to change the course of the game, so they should be used accordingly. Need to slow things down and control the possession of the ball? Isco can do that. Need to create more chances through the wings knowing that PSG are leaving some space to counterattack? There’s Asensio. Neymar is too much for Nacho? Just put Lucas Vazquez in and he will help him. Need to keep Verratti under control? Kovacic’s physicality can do it. Zidane must trust his bench tonight.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Date: 02/14/2018
Time: 20:45 CET, 02:45pm EST, 11:45am Pacific.
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.
Available TV: FOX Sports 1 (USA), BT Sport 3 (UK), BeIN Sports (Spain).
Available Streaming: FOX Sports GO (USA), Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a winter discount for new members and Managing Madrid readers).