Real Madrid vs PSG, Champions League: What time does it start, where can I watch it and what are the odds?

A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at Santiago Bernabeu

Nathan Jacobs
Wednesday 14 February 2018 17:31 GMT
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(Getty)

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Real Madrid host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie tonight as they eye a historic third successive European title.

However, Zinedine Zidane’s men have been far from their best in recent months, finishing second in their group behind Tottenham, and currently sit fourth in La Liga, 17 points off the pace.

Having been drawn against pre-tournament favourites PSG, who pose a significant threat with a front line of Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar, Madrid will know they have their work cut out if they’re to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The French champions are coasting in Ligue 1 and topped their group with ease, scoring more goals in the group stages than any other side in the competition – a record 25.

Les Parisiens are still waiting for their first ever Champions League triumph, having never reached the final in their illustrious history.

What time does it start?

Real Madrid vs PSG kicks off at 7.45pm at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday 14 February.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BT Sport 3 from 7pm. Highlights will be shown at 10.45pm on ITV1.

It’s a big game for…

Cristiano Ronaldo. No-one is doubting Ronaldo’s talent or his goal-scoring records but his ability to squeeze the best out of his Real Madrid teammates is beginning to be questioned, with the galacticos struggling for consistency this season.

He has long been linked with a move to PSG since the French side’s rise to the European elite and he may feel he still has something to prove to his doubters.

As it stands, he leads the goal-scoring charts in the Champions League and he will want to show his critics that he can still perform at the highest level.

Ronaldo will be looking to prove his doubters wrong
Ronaldo will be looking to prove his doubters wrong (REUTERS/Juan Medina)

Best stat…

9: This is the number of goals the Portuguese star has scored so far in the Champions League this campaign.

He is still leading the charts – two goals ahead of nearest rival Harry Kane – and he’ll be hoping to make it double figures by the end of tonight’s clash.

Remember when…

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, PSG required something miraculous in their return clash against Real Madrid and they got it.

With PSG leading 3-1 in the closing stages of the second game, Kambouare headed in from a free kick to send Les Parisiens through to the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Player to watch…

Luka Modric. Madrid might be struggling this season but there are very few finer sights in football than Luka Modric controlling a game.

He may have his work cut out tonight but, akin to Christian Eriksen at Spurs, when Modric gets plenty of the ball, Los Blancos improve as a result.

Keep a close eye on Angel Di Maria, too, as he could feature against his former employers this evening.

Modric in action Tottenham last year
Modric in action Tottenham last year (Getty 2017)

Past three meetings…

Real Madrid 1 PSG 0, International Champions Cup, July 2016

Real Madrid 1 PSG 0, Champions League Group Stage, November 2015

PSG 0 Real Madrid 0, Champions League Group Stage, October 2015

Form guide…

Real Madrid: WDWLWW

PSG: WWWWWW

Odds…

Real Madrid to win: 6/5

PSG to win: 41/20

Draw: 5/2

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