“When you play so many games together then the risk of injury increases and this is unfortunately what has happened”, said Benitez.
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In the last three seasons, despite landing the Ligue Un title on each occasion, PSG have been eliminated at the Champions League quarterfinal stage. “If we analyse what players score most goals, you see that three of them are out of action and that has an effect on our team”.
It comes from the aftermath of Real’s 1-0 win against PSG in the Champions League, and shows the Ballon D’Or victor smiling and winking at someone as he leaves the Bernabeu.
The last time these two sides faced off, last month in the Champions League, resulted in a lacklustre, nil-all draw.
Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi has heaped praise on Blanc and his players despite Tuesday’s loss.
Real, the 51/10 third favourites for the competition, top Group A after following up wins over Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo with a goalless draw in Paris in matchday 3.
Real defender Marcelo said: “I’m expecting a very hard match”.
“There are always things you can improve, but the fact we’ve qualified is very positive”.
I heard after the first match (against Real in Paris) criticism that we were not good enough…
However, Real will be facing a tough test, as this PSG side remains undefeated in 16 games this season, and they will be confident at causing an upset at the Bernabeu tonight.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearly scored in the 22nd with low shot that missed wide with Navas already beaten, and the Swedish striker also came close with a 29th-minute free kick shot that almost hit the post.
The 24-year-old has only played two games this season because of a persistent thigh problem.
Real Madrid had a few important players returning from injury, including Ramos.
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However, Madrid are set to be without a host of first-team regulars with Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema all unlikely to be risked by Rafael Benitez.
