‘No soul!’ – Real Madrid torn into by Spanish newspapers after PSG hand out Champions League humiliation

Zinedine Zidane's side were embarrassed 3-0 in Paris and look a long way away from challenging for the title in Europe

Jack Rathborn
Thursday 19 September 2019 09:43 BST
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Champions League group stage draw

Real Madrid had “no soul” branded one Spanish newspaper as ZInedine Zidane’s side were picked apart after their humiliating loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Angel Di Maria stood up when PSG needed inspiration in the absence of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.

And while Zidane was without Marco Asensio, Isco, Marcelo, Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos, the loss was a hammer blow to the Frenchman.

Speculation has begun over a return for Jose Mourinho and the hysterical reaction in Spain suggests there is some truth to Zidane’s position being unstable.

AS used a picture of Karim Benzema covering his face with his hands, adding: “No Soul!”

While Marca went with: “You can’t go into Europe like that.”

Mundo Deportivo, based in Barcelona, were all too happy to go in hard on the Catalan giants’ rivals: “Madrid KO,” read their headline.

While Sport aptly summarised Real’s impact on the pitch: “Run over!”

Benzema reacts after Real go down at PSG
Benzema reacts after Real go down at PSG (Mundo Deportivo)

“Clearly they were better than us in every department – in the way they played, in midfield,” Zidane told a news conference when asked to dissect his side’s shortcomings.

“What upset me is that we did not put enough intensity in the game and at that level of competition, it’s not possible.

“They’re good at creating chances, that’s not what worries me. What worries me is that lack of intensity.”

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