Real Madrid vs PSG: 5 players who could decide the Round of 16 tie

3. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has been one of Real Madrid’s lone saviours after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, as the Frenchman has taken on the position of Real’s finisher extremely responsibly and as a senior member of the group. The striker has stepped up to fill the vacuum, and he has done it admirably, benefiting both the squad and his personal record of becoming the club’s third-highest goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano.

While the squad relies on his talents, there were several alternatives for Benzema to get some much-needed rest, but Ancelotti’s strict anti-rotation policy took its toll on the 34-year-old. Benzema was hampered by muscle pains and injuries, making him not 100% fit for the PSG match, which resulted in his weak showing.

As much as it pains me to say it, Benzema’s presence in the game was essentially ghostly, despite the fact that the player, despite his agony, gave it his all, 100 points for that though.

However, in recent games, we have seen the Frenchman recuperate, and it is believed that he will be at the top of his physicality to face PSG for the return leg, where he might make amends for the surprising performance, as Real Madrid will once again call on him to save the club from disqualification.