Real Madrid vs PSG: Predicted lineup, key stats and head-to-head

Real and PSG were narrowly separated in the first-leg after Kylian Mbappe, heavily linked with a move to Madrid this summer, netted a stoppage-time winner to hand the Ligue 1 giants the advantage heading into the second leg.

Lionel Messi's second-half penalty was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the first leg. AFP

However, with no away goals anymore, UEFA has since cancelled that rule, there is all to play for when these two familiar foes take to the Bernabeu pitch later on Wednesday night.

Pulse Sports Nigeria has listed some important things you need to know ahead of that game, from the predicted lineup to some interesting stats that make the game a potentially pulsating and entertaining encounter.

Also, you get to find out some players who will be making a return to the Bernabeu, which used to be their home a couple of years ago.

Let’s dig straight into it already

Predicted Lineup

There was an injury scare for PSG earlier this week with Mbappe reportedly a major doubt after he picked up a knock in training during the week.

But it seems the 23-year-old will be available as he was spotted training with the rest of the team in Madrid, alongside his teammate, Neymar, who has declared himself fit.

PSG star Kylian Mbappe Imago

For the host, Real Madrid, they do have some injury concerns as well, with Toni Kroos and Casemiro serious doubts for Los Blancos ahead of the important clash.

Kroos has returned to training but it remains to be seen if the German will start for the home side after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he's not ''100% fit.''

Toni Kroos could miss the Champions League second leg round of 16 game against PSG later tonight. AFP

Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Éder Militão, Alaba, Nacho; Modrić, Kroos, Valverde; Asensio, Benzema, Vinícius Júnior

PSG Predicted XI: Navas; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes; Gueye, Verratti, Danilo; Messi, Mbappé, Neymar

Key Stats

Real Madrid and Paris are no strangers to each other with the game tonight set to be the 12th meeting between the two giants.

In terms of head-to-head, both have four wins each from the previous 11 matches, PSG have scored 15 goals compared to 13 for Real. So, forget what happened in the first leg, this particular fixture usually produces goals.

Karim Benzema fired blanks when both teams clashed in the first leg in Paris. AFP

PSG are unbeaten in the last two matches between the two. two (2) wins and a draw. But the French side has lost three (3) of their last five (5) matches at the Bernabeu. In fact, the last time PSG won at the venue for tonight's game was back in 1994, when African legend, George Weah, was still very active and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Four (4) PSG players return home

When Paris take to the Bernabeu pitch at 9 pm, four (4) players will be playing at the ground they used to call 'home'.

Sergio Ramos has not played for for PSG since joining from Real Madrid in July AFP

Former captain, Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria, Achraf Hakimi, and goalkeeper, Keylor Navas will all be looking to show the home fans exactly what they are missing by helping PSG knockout the Merengues.

How to follow the game

Join us at Pulse Sports Nigeria from 8 pm on our social media account for Pre-game build up and Post-game analysis.