Real Madrid show PSG they are the champions
What's the story
Real Madrid have passed their first stern test of the season as they outclassed PSG 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Adrien Rabiot gave the French giants a priceless away goal but Ronaldo and Marcelo ensured the things got in Real Madrid's favour by the full-time whistle. Here's the complete match report.
Late comeback
Super substitute Marco Asensio makes the big difference
Rabiot opened the scoring in the Spanish capital. It did not take Real Madrid long to draw parity, as Ronaldo stepped up to equalize from the penalty spot. In the end, it was Zidane's substitutions that made the difference, as Marco Asensio came on to turn the tie with two valuable assists, one to Ronaldo and the other to Marcelo to stage a comeback.
Record-breaker
Ronaldo reached a century of UCL goals for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 10+ goals in seven consecutive Champions League campaigns. No other player in the history of European football has done it in more than two. The Portuguese sharpshooter also became the first player in Champions League's history to score 100 plus goals for a single club.
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Real Madrid halt the PSG juggernaut
Paris Saint-Germain play the most attacking football in Europe. The French giants have scored 127 goals in 39 games in all competitions this season, which is the most by any team across the Top 5 European Leagues.
The genius
Is Zidane the GOAT among managers?
Real Madrid manager, Zinédine Zidane might have been under pressure after a poor start to their La Liga campaign but this guy is a master of the Champions League. Under the French legend, Real Madrid have won 11 of their 15 Champions League knockout games drawing two and losing just two. He has won the trophy twice during his two years at Real Madrid.
Jinxed
PSG flounder yet again in the Champions League
PSG have now lost five of their last seven away games in the Champions League knockout stages. Their only victory was the 2-1 against Chelsea in March 2016. They have drawn one fixture. Real Madrid have reached the semi-finals in each of the last seven campaigns which is a record run in the history of the Champions League.
Left in peril
Real Madrid put the brakes on PSG's wheels
PSG looked pretty much invincible before heading into this tie. However, this is their second loss in their last 16 games. The Paris outfit have eliminated Real Madrid twice in their previous two knockout stage encounters in the 1992/93 & 1993/94 season and both the times in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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Controversy at the Bernabeu
Champions League nights are never away from controversy. PSG had a penalty appeal turned down early in the second half when Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos appeared to have blocked a shot with his arm.
Judgement day
Can PSG turn the tie on March 7th?
All hope is not lost for PSG as they will look to turn the tie when they host the two-time defending Champions at the Parc des Princes in the return leg of the fixture on March 7th. But with Real Madrid hitting form at the right time, it is not going to be an easy task.