Real Madrid travel to Paris to take on PSG in the second-leg of their round of 16 tie on Tuesday night.
Zinedine Zidane’s side hold a 3-1 lead on aggregate advantage ahead of their trip to Parc des Princes.
And while a two-goal cushion is comfortable for the defending champions, a few key battles might decide the outcome of the clash.
PSG CENTRE-BACKS V CRISTIANO RONALDO
Marquinhos has grown into a commanding presence for Unai Emery’s side over the past five seasons, but has yet to prove his class on the European stage.
However the Brazilian is currently hampered by injury, which means his older compatriot – Thiago Silva – could be relied upon to produce a performance of old to stop Cristiano Ronaldo if the home side are to have any hope of qualifying for the last eight.
With 22-year-old Presnel Kimpembe set to partner one of them in central defence, the French giants will need them in top form to cut down the visitors’ pacy attacks.
At 6’1, Marquinhos is solid in the air and strong in the tackle – and this could be a vital ingredient in denying Ronaldo as he attempts to continue his goal-scoring exploits on the European stage.
With 14 goals in his last nine matches in all competitions, the Portuguese star will fancy his chances of finding the net again in Paris.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored in every Champions League match this term and Zidane will be hoping the club legend can deliver once more.
MARCO VERRATTI V LUKA MODRIC
Marco Verratti has been one of the stand-out players for PSG this season with a series of glittering displays.
The Italian has taken his game to new heights over the past 18 months – although Verratti doesn’t get on the score sheet much, few players have been as inspirational on and off the ball as the 26-year-old.
Verratti is the master of retaining possession and moving the ball with pace – and is nearly as influential to the side as Cavani is in attack.
His ability to orchestrate proceedings has added another layer of quality into a PSG side already boasting plenty of firepower, but of course, without Neymar for this one. However, if the 25-year-old is allowed to dictate the game with such aplomb then Real will struggle.
But this is where Modric can stamp his authority on the game – with his calmness on the ball in tight areas and ability to take the game to his opponent.
The Croat never shies away from battle and if he can get on top early then this will curtail the impact of the Parisians’ pacy midfield.
EDINSON CAVANI V SERGIO RAMOS
One of the stand-out players in Ligue 1, Cavani has scored 24 goals in 24 starts this term and looks on course to score over 40 goals – a feat Zlatan Ibrahimovic never managed during his time in the French capital.
A massive game awaits Cavani and he should relish the limelight as PSG attempt to gain a foothold in the contest against the defending champions.
Ramos will certainly have his work cut out when he attempts to curtail the sparkling influence of Cavani and Kylian Mbappe.
A natural warrior, Ramos is the heartbeat of the Real defence and will use all his experience and physicality to unsettle PSG’s forward stars.
At 31, some may argue that the Spaniard’s best years are past him but his ability to produce starring displays on a consistent basis has been integral to Zidane’s prospects in La Liga and Europe.
