This match, and the Madrid fixture two weeks later, will likely decide who wins the group and who finishes second
Atletico Madrid players stretch during a training session in Majadahonda, Spain, on Tuesday, eve of their Uefa Champions League Group ‘C' match against Astana. (Photo: AP)
Paris: Real Madrid travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the plum clash of Wednesday’s Champions League matches as improving Manchester City host Sevilla and Borussia Moenchenglad-bach desperately seek a first win at Juventus.
Undoubtedly the clash of the night between the big-spending Parisians and the record 10-time European champions. Both have been in fine form at home and abroad this season and are top of their respective domestic leagues, although in Real’s case, only by goal difference.
This match, and the Madrid fixture two weeks later, will likely decide who wins the group and who finishes second. One man will probably be more fired up than all others — Argentina winger Angel Di Maria.
He scored in Real’s 4-1 extra-time victory over neighbours Atletico Madrid to lift the 2014 Champions League but was promptly sold to Manchester United to make way for the likes of James Rodriguez. An unsuccessful year in the Premier League was ended with a move to Ligue 1, where Di Maria is flourishing. PSG will need him and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to fire on all cylinders against Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
In Moscow, it’s six years since CSKA Moscow and Manchester United last met in the group stages of this competition and the omens are good as both progressed to the knockout rounds.
United have not been convincing on their return to Europe this season, losing at PSV Eindhoven and struggling to see off Wolfsburg at home. The group is neck-and-neck with all four teams level on points and goal difference. Russian leaders CSKA are unbeaten since losing in Wolfsburg while United are also in relatively good form, sitting third in the Premier League and just two points off the top following a 3-0 success at Everton.
Meanwhile, Europe’s big under-achievers Man-chester City have a great opportunity to set themselves on the path to knockout stage qualification against struggling Sevilla.
The Europa League holders have had a tough start to their season, like Juve winning just two from eight league matches. Although they beat Gladbach at home, they were defeated 2-0
in Turin last time out in European competition.
City’s European woes appeared to be continuing when they lost at home to Juve in their opening pool match. But City have rebounded spectacularly since, winning 2-1 at Gladbach.
( Source : AFP )
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