The Real Champs
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3 reasons why Real Madrid will come back and beat PSG in the Champions League Round of 16

By Manas Pratim Sharma

Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal, PSG, Kylian Mbappe (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal, PSG, Kylian Mbappe (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /
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Federico Valverde and Daniel Carvajal, Real Madrid (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Federico Valverde and Daniel Carvajal, Real Madrid (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) /

2. The situation on the right side of Real Madrid’s formation may finally improve

Carlo Ancelotti got that last game against PSG horribly wrong. This time around, there is scope for improvement. Real Madrid’s game plan was clearly visible in the first leg, they were going for the draw. Such attitude has never suited Real Madrid and that’s the first thing Ancelotti should have instilled in him. Real Madrid always plays for the win.

One major problem in the first leg was the right-hand side of Real Madrid’s formation. Starting Marco Asensio was next to surrendering to PSG’s fierce attack on the left-flank and Real Madrid’s trusted right-back, Carvajal found it extremely difficult to track Mbappe without any support from the right-winger or the midfielders.

All of that is going to change in the second leg. Firstly, Fede Valverde’s legs could come to be of great use, especially while defending in the wider areas. Valverde is brilliant as a transitioning RM and his skill set can come in handy in tracking Mbappe who will be operating on the left of PSG’s formation. He has the ability to run with the speedy Parisian forward. I hope the youngster starts on the right-hand side of Real Madrid’s midfield three. Valverde is a tremendous presser and will be key in keeping Mbappe quiet.

This time around there would be straight instructions from Carlo Ancelotti to his chosen right-winger to track back and support the defense. I have a feeling it’d be Marco Asensio yet again who’d be starting. Firstly, Rodrygo’s decision-making in the final third was something I couldn’t agree with in the last game against La Real. Asensio, however, is terrible with his defensive work rate but shines with his quick decisions and can score out of nothing. He got one off the bench in the weekend.

But, this isn’t a game wherein Asensio can relax. It is make or break for all players out on the pitch. I am sure the game against La Real was clear experimentation from Carlo Ancelotti to check Rodrygo’s fit for the big game. While I think Asensio will start, I don’t think the manager would be patient with him if he doesn’t do a good job defensively he’d be withdrawn for Rodrygo.

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