Paris Saint-Germain recovers Wednesday the Champions League. A cursed competition for PSG, which comes out of three consecutive eliminations in the round of 16, the last against Manchester United has left traces. At the time of reunion with the most prestigious cups of Europe, the formation of Thomas Tuchel receives on Wednesday the Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane. And beware of overconfidence, because as in March, the opponent of Paris Saint-Germain arrives at the Parc des Princes diminished but with a lot of ambitions. Lionel Rosso and his columnists debated Sunday night the dangerousness of the Spanish club. Here are three reasons to be wary of Real Madrid.
A PSG leader, but far from reassuring in the game
In the numbers, Paris Saint-Germain started their season better, with three wins and one defeat in four days of Ligue 1. The club of the capital is already leading its championship, two points ahead of a trio of Rennes, Nantes and Marseille. For its part, Real began timidly with two wins and two draws. The Merengues are third in La Liga, two points behind Sevilla FC, leader.
But in the game, the PSG is far from reassuring, like his victory over the wire against Strasbourg. Paris has relied on the talent of his Brazilian star, passed in 90 minutes of banned to savior. "Neymar is used for many things at PSG, including obscure what happens at the beginning of the season," said Grégory Schneider, journalist at Libération . "I have never seen the Parisian team in this state since 2012. Before, Paris walked on its adversaries like a tank, now it looks like a tent without a stake, I do not see how they go about it. make it out."
Heard on europe1:
In front of Strasbourg, except for the shine of Neymar, there was absolutely nothing in the game
Same story for Ambre Godillon, Paris Saint-Germain specialist for Yahoo Sport. "In front of Strasbourg, apart from Neymar's brilliance, there was absolutely nothing in the game. However, against Levante (3-2 win), Real Madrid made a magnificent first half. Benzema was close to the hat-trick, James Rogriguez had a festival, they almost got caught because their defense was disastrous, and in the last four games they have conceded at least one goal. "
More absentees in Paris than in Madrid
Wednesday's meeting in the Champions League will be played without some of the big stars of both teams. PSG will be deprived of Neymar, suspended three matches, and Mbappé, always convalescent. Cavani, on the return, will probably miss him of rhythm. But Real also has his problems: Sergio Ramos and Nacho are suspended, Modric, Isco and Asensio are in the infirmary. But, good news for Zinedine Zidane, Eden Hazard was able to play a few minutes this weekend. And Real coach will rely on Benzema, Bale or James, fit since the recovery.
Mistrust, then, for Ambre Godillon: "Attention, Madrid will come full of its strengths.I do not say that the PSG does not have, but after Strasbourg, there is nothing to be enthusiastic. To win, PSG will have to "invent something Wednesday night," according to Gregory Schneider. "Beyond the names that we align, collectively, Real Madrid has more landmarks."
Recent history in the Champions League calls for Madrid
But what could make the difference Wednesday night is the mental, the psychological aspect. The PSG is bruised by his repeated disappointments in the Champions League, undergoing ups and downs. Javier Prieto Santos, editor-in-chief at So Foot believes a lot "in the weight of history". "With the debacle against Manchester United, I have the impression that they can be traumatized, the Real has never been traumatized by the European Cup, it's even his medicine." And to recall the last confrontation he There are two seasons between the two teams. "Real Madrid made a very bad match in the first leg, before winning a goal out of nowhere, while the PSG was in full steam.
Heard on europe1:
To think that this Real team is winnable is the trap in which the PSG should not fall
Also benefit in this area to Real Madrid, winner of three of the last four Champions League, for Gregory Schneider. "On the approach of this kind of events, Madrid knows how to do a thousand more things that Paris does not know how to do, such as putting pressure on arbitration or knowing how to rely on the public."
PSG must rely on his experience to succeed in beating Real Madrid Wednesday. And so do not duplicate the mistakes of the past. "Thinking that this Real team is winnable is the trap that PSG should not fall in. Spanish players have confidence in themselves, Parisians to be very lucid.They are outsiders in this match," concludes Amber Godillon.
Find the full debate above and all the other great debates of Europe 1 Sport here