Champions League

REAL MADRID take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their mouth-watering Champions League last-16 tie this evening.It is the first time the two giants of European football have faced off in the competition since 2019.

In 2019-20, they were pitted against one another in the group stages.
PSG crushed Real 3-0 in the first match between them thanks to two goals from Angel Di Maria and a late strike by Thomas Meunier.
But back at the Bernabeu on November 26, Zinedine Zidane’s men looked to have exacted revenge leading 2-0 thanks to Karim Benzema’s double with ten minutes to go.
However, a dramatic late comeback saw Kylian Mbappe and former Madrid man Pablo Sarabia score twice in three minutes for PSG to earn the French side a 2-2 draw.
They went on to secure top spot in Group A and reach the final while Real were dumped out by Manchester City in the round of 16.
And despite the match taking place the season before last, there are still a number of changes compared with the current squads.
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The centre-back pairing of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have both moved on, with Ramos on course to face his old side.
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo completed the back five in 2019 and could all feature again this time around.
And the midfield three of Casemiro, Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos could be identical once more with Karim Benzema leading the line.
However, although wide men Eden Hazard and Isco are still at the club, they are unlikely to be named in the starting XI with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and even Gareth Bale in contention.
For the away side, ex-Real stopper Keylor Navas was between the sticks behind a back four of Meunier, Thiago Silva, Presnel Kimpembe and Juan Bernat.
Idrissa Gueye, Marquinhos and Marco Verratti completed the trio in midfield with Di Maria and Mbappe either side of Mauro Icardi up front.
Neymar came off the bench for Thomas Tuchel’s side, as did goalscorer Sarabia and Julian Draxler.
Bale, Rodrygo and Luka Modric were substituted on by Zidane.
RIVALRY RESUMES
Both sides have ambitions of going all the way and winning the Champions League this season.
For tonight’s hosts at the Parc des Princes, it would mark a first European title but the Spaniards are going for a record-extending 14th crown.
PSG now have the likes of Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gini Wijnaldum and Lionel Messi in their ranks and Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti can now call on Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba.
Karim Benzema scored twice to put Real 2-0 up at the BernabeuCredit: Getty
Pablo Sarabia was mobbed by Marquinhos and Neymar following his dramatic equaliserCredit: Getty
Sergio Ramos switched the Spanish capital for the French last summerCredit: The Mega Agency More

PETER CROUCH says that of the four Prem giants gunning for Champions League glory this season – Liverpool and Manchester City are his tips to win it.The Reds, City, Chelsea and Manchester United are all in last-16 action over the coming eight days.
Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League trophy last seasonCredit: Getty
In 2019, Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson lifted European club football’s top prizeCredit: Getty
Prem powerhouses have dominated Europe’s top club competition in recent years, with two out of the last three finals being all-English affairs.
Reigning champions Chelsea beat City last year, and three years ago Tottenham lost to Liverpool.
And former Liverpool, Spurs and England striker Crouch, 41, has told the Daily Mail that during this ‘exciting time for English football’ he can see the famous continental cup heading back to Blighty again.
He said: “I cannot see much past the Premier League clubs.
“Liverpool and City are my favourites and I’m struggling to split them in Europe.
“Chelsea, crowned world champions over the weekend, have a real opportunity to defend the trophy too.
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“Joe Cole still keeps in touch with the guys at Lille and they fancy their chances in their last-16 match but Chelsea should be too strong.
“Manchester United are the only ones I’m wavering on.
“They can have their moments, although their tie with Atletico Madrid is 50-50. It depends on which United turns up.”

City go to Sporting Lisbon tonight, and Liverpool travel to Inter Milan tomorrow.
Chelsea host Lille next Tuesday, and United are at Atletico Madrid the following evening.
Peter Crouch regularly gives his views as a Champions League TV punditCredit: Rex More

JAMIE CARRAGHER reckons a Champions League spot is Arsenal’s to lose this season.The Gunners are among a host of clubs desperately battling it out for the Premier League’s fourth spot and qualification to Europe’s elite competition.
Arsenal ground out a 1-0 win over Wolves on ThursdayCredit: Getty
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher rates the Gunners as favourites to finish fourthCredit: Sky Sports
But while the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham are going backwards in terms of results, Mikel Arteta’s men ground out a 1-0 win against fellow contenders Wolves on Thursday.
West Ham currently occupy fourth spot but they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal have THREE games in hand over the Hammers and Carragher has backed them to leapfrog their London rivals.
He told Sky Sports: “I think it will be tough for West Ham to get in the top four.
“Arsenal, what a win that was for them away to Wolves. The games in hand, no European football.”
Arteta’s side failed to qualify for ANY European competition this season after finish eighth last term.
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United meanwhile face a huge Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid this month.
Carra added: “You think about how long Manchester United will be in the Champions League, that could play a part. It feels like it will go to the wire.”
Spurs also have three games in hand over West Ham but are currently struggling in eighth position.
Antonio Conte’s men have lost three in a row and Wolves one place above them now look like the form team climbing up the table.
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