Real Madrid vs PSG preview: European giants clash in Spanish capital

A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu

(Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Laurent Blanc: The ex-Manchester United and France defender has led his PSG side on a mazy unbeaten run this year. A victory away to Real Madrid would represent the biggest managerial scalp in his career and could fire PSG into the reckoning as a genuine contender for the Champions League title.

Best stat…

32: PSG’s point tally after the first 12 games of the Ligue 1 season, a French record which is telling of their hardnosed confidence going into tomorrow evening’s game

Remember when…

David Ginola rocketed home this thunderbolt of a strike in a 4-1 win in the 1993 quarter-final, overturning a 3-1 loss in the first leg. With the power of a traction engine some say the only thing exceeding the beauty of this goal is Ginola’s flowing French locks.

Player to watch…

Cristiano Ronaldo: Madrid’s semi-godlike talisman had a slow start to the season. But five goals in three games during this year’s Champions League have combined with three in consecutive matches in La Liga to silence any potential naysayers. With Ibrahimovic lurking to steal the limelight, the Portugese paragon of cool and three time Ballons D’Or winner will be keen to assert his authority.

Past three meetings…

PSG 0 – 0 Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League, 21st October 2015

PSG 1 (Gomes) – 1 (Butragueño) Real Madrid, UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 15 March 1994

Real Madrid 0 – 1 (Weah) PSG, UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 3 March 1994

Form guide…

Real Madrid: WWDWDW

PSG: WWDWWW

Vital Information…

Kick off time: 19:45

TV: BT Sport Extra VM Red Button