Paris Saint Germain vs Real Madrid was brilliantly poised. Real Madrid had an advantage coming into this away leg. PSG had the 12th man.
Both teams had key players missing. Neymar is out for 6-8 weeks whereas Toni Kroos and Luka Modric weren't fit. The tie that couldn't disappoint almost did.
The game didn't open up till Marco Veratti's red card, but it was an entertaining game throughout. The first half was a feisty battle even though chances were at a premium.
Even without their Brazilian star, PSG was expected to come out with guns blazing, trying to get that crucial first goal to put them back into the tie. Unfortunately, Les Parisiens couldn't emulate Barcelona's memorable fightback against them. It just didn't click for PSG. Very little went their way. Madrid had the better chances in the first half, forcing Alphonse Areola into two brilliant saves. The first denied Karim Benzema, the second Sergio Ramos.
Los Blancos struck early through talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Veratti took a second yellow for protesting a foul not given; letting his team down in the process. The home side pulled one back through Edison Cavani, but the tie was well over. Madrid toyed with their counterparts for the remainder. A deflected Casemiro shot found its way into the net in the 80th minute, eliminating any last bit of hope. The match finished 1-2 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate.
Cristiano Ronaldo again proved the man for the big occasion. Before scoring his goal, he headed a Marcelo cross just wide. When he finally delivered moments later, his movement was genius. He set himself for a running start, then accelerated into the cross and headed it down. Ronaldo has scored 12 Champions League goals in eight matches this campaign, making the scoresheet in every one.
PSG get lost in the smoke
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electrifying. From kick-off to the final whistle, the PSG faithful kept making noise, even disrespecting the minute's silence for Davide Astori. They were that pumped. Flares and fireworks caused referee Felix Brych to stop the game on multiple occasions. The supporters' antics likely disrupted their team's rhythm more than intimidating the Merengues.
Les Parisiens were turgid and lacklustre. They sorely missed Neymar's creativity. The team was as flat as the Paris skyline. Thiago Motta just recycled possession. Veratti and Adrien Rabiot rarely moved the ball forward. Edinson Cavani was isolated, Angel Di Maria tried things, but none worked. Kylian Mbappe finally showed that he is just a teenager with much to learn. His decision making was poor; he never troubled the solid Real defence. Dani Alves looked past his prime. If losing possession then getting nutmegged on the play leading to the goal wasn't enough, the Brazilian was also partly at fault for the second goal.
Unai Emery's XI didn't play like a team. Players weren't willing to cover distances or track back. No one took the lead. The game was poorly managed. To be sent off for dissent was incredibly immature for a player of Veratti's stature. Then again, the opposition's manager has done worse in a World Cup, no less.
Zidane gets it right
Zinedine Zidane has had his critics, including me, despite winning back-to-back Champions League titles. The list of dismissals is long.
- He's inherited the best squad
- Ronaldo just scores every time
- Ramos saves them
- He's tactically inept.
Ronaldo scored in both legs, but it was a team effort that won Los Blancos the tie that was supposed to announce PSG's ascension.
Zidane found a balance even without Modric and Kroos, a balance of experience and youth, attack and defence. Mateo Kovacic was brought into midfield to pair Casemiro. Marco Asensio and Lucas Vasquez flanked them with Ronaldo and Benzema up top.
It all came down to a trusted back four, however. Defending is an underrated art at which Zizou's rearguard are masters. Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varane were at their brilliant best, tackling, clearing, blocking. Their organisation and distribution were top class. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo did the usual, bossing the wings, supporting both attack and defence. The team pressed high and kept a high line. They were aggressive and took the game away from PSG. The front two linked up well and threatened on the counter.
Kovacic and Casemiro were the stars. They shielded the back four, tracked runners, covered for defenders when they were drawn out, and provided the wingers license to go forward. Man of the match Casemiro even got the goal to round off a brilliant performance. The Brazilian created two chances, made three clearances, eight tackles. and had a 98% passing accuracy.
Zidane and Co are a step closer to La Decimotercera.
Read more: http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/articles/psg-vs-real-madrid-champions-league-second-leg-cristiano-ronaldo-heads-through
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