Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has called on his players to have the courage to impose their game on Real Madrid when the two sides meet in the Spanish capital on Tuesday. The two sides were level on seven points in Group A after three games, and star studded Real would need Nacho to come off the bench to seal their spot in the knockout stage.
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PSG went even closer two minutes later, as an un-marked Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s curling effort from 20-yards out sailed inches wide of the upright. The 10-times European Champions ended the evening as Group A leaders courtesy of Nacho’s first-half goal.
PSG players train ahead of the crunch clash with Madrid.
“The team are doing well but I am convinced that they will improve”. The Europa League holders got a goal back but City had done enough to win the contest and put the contest to bed. “We deserved as draw at least and we played better than in the previous fixture [in which PSG drew 0-0 at home to Madrid]”.
SHOWDOWN ALERT, because PSG are exactly one goal worse off than Real in Group A, they beat Shakhtar away 3-0 and matched Real’s 2-0 win over Malmo.
“We were ten times better than them tonight”, said Di Maria.
Meanwhile, post-match, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser El-Khelaifi dropped his biggest hint yet that the French champions will make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Injuries in Real’s defence were easing with Sergio Ramos and Pepe back fit but they were dealt a blow with Marcelo limping off against PSG and tests will be carried out on Wednesday to discover the extent of the problem.
“The Champions League is hard and long”.
He told UEFA.com: “We delivered our best match of the season”.
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Ronaldo, whose contract with Real Madrid expires in 2018, has not yet decided what path his career will take next, but is not offering any guarantees about finishing his playing days at the Santiago Bernabeu. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema didn’t train with the team today, and will be inactive along with Dani Carvajal.
