3. Santiago Bernabeu must recreate the magic
The Santiago Bernabeu can be a daunting stadium for the opposition players. In the words of Jorge Valdano, playing here induces a sense of ‘stage fright’ unlike anywhere else. Bernabeu’s history is replete with incredible ‘Remontadas’, exquisite matches, and magical nights. Real Madrid would be hoping for one such night in the second leg fixture vs PSG.
In recent years, there have been teams who have breached the fortress in the Champions League. Ajax in 2019 and Manchester City in 2020 dominated Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos cannot allow that to happen again this season.
Playing at the Bernabeu can be unnerving for not only the rival players, but the Real Madrid players as well. The fans are so demanding that they will whistle their players to egg them on. They are not used to seeing their side struggling to break down the opposition and play an attractive brand of football.
The Bernabeu is an intangible factor whenever Real Madrid is in the Champions League. In the second leg, the players have to leverage the energy of the crowd to put pressure on the opposition. Win the ball back quickly, go hard at PSG and unsettle the opposition. They simply cannot afford PSG to dictate the pace of the game. The likes of Kroos and Modric have to showcase their magic and allow the youngsters Valverde and Vinicius to run at the opposition.
Real Madrid cannot afford to have a game similar to the one in the second leg. Most fans want the team to show courage and belief even in the face of defeat. PSG must be made aware that they are playing away from home in front of the Real Madrid fans. They must feel the pressure of a collective energy in the stadium. We will all be hoping for another magical night at the Santiago Bernabeu.