Welcome to the cfrealmadrid.com. Today we are doing match review of Real Madrid vs PSG match of group A of UEFA Champions league 2019-20. What a beautiful match with a disastrous ending for Real Madrid? Real Madrid was the better side in the whole match until last ten minutes spoiled the party for Real Madrid. Zidane men did not keep the score line in our favour. Two late goals from PSG strengthens their first position in the group A of Champions League.
Debating about the whole season, this was the best performance of Real Madrid against a quality side but we gave away two goals in the end. We did not hold our nerves. Zidane managed the substitutions with the addition of defensive vulnerabilities cost the situation. Although it was draw game, but it could be end up on Madrid as winning side, If Zidane thought smartly and did not force substitutions.
As this is a group match, but if we do not sort out our problems, things will be tough for us in the future. A little mistake can cause a slip from domestic tournament or curtains in the champions league race. Real Madrid played street smart football until the ending of the match. The pressing of Los Blancos kept the PSG players and manager to rethink about their strategy. Now lets look at the match review of Real Madrid vs PSG in detail.
Real Madrid vs PSG Match Review:
Real Madrid vs PSG was a thriller in the Bernabeu. Both teams felt that they could have been won this match. Madrid will feel slightly more aggrieved having held a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes to play. Karim Benzema was on the form in front of the goal. He scored 2 goals from inside the box with insane skills.
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe capitalized the error of communication between Raphael Varane and Thibaut Courtois to tap home from six yards. In the second goal from PSG, Pablo Sarabia scored a stunner with his left foot, finding the top corner with his attempt on the half volley to equalise.
In the last minute, Gareth Bale was inches away from a winner with late free kick. PSG secured first place in the group A of Champions League. Madrid will also look to book their birth for the next round of Champions League in the coming match.
Starting Line up:
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois performance against PSG is just satisfactory. He made an error with Varane and allow Mbappe to find to nets. His counterpart Keylor Navas played splendid 90 minutes against his former club. He was their best player of the match. He literally had 10 saves in his wallet in the match. However, Courtois showed improvement and the Club demands more.
Defenders:
In the heart of defense, Varane and Sergio Ramos started the game. Their performance was not up to the mark. In the second goal Sergio Ramos kept himself high on the pitch which resulted in the latter goal. Both of centre backs had to think that Real Madrid had goal advantage on PSG, only thing they had to do is to keep that score line to the last minute. Both of them failed to do so. Varane mistake costed us first goal.
The nepotism of French coaches is pathetic. If there would be other coach than Zidane, he certainly played Militao instead of Varane. Varane is out of form this whole season. Zidane have to force changes. As changes sometimes are always helpful. Zidane should play in form players in the starting line up despite how much bigger the name of player is.
Marcelo and Carvajal played the match exceptionally well. Marcelo had one assist in the match. His passing and accurate crossing proved that Real Madrid will need him in coming season matches. He had great chemistry and understanding with Hazard on the left flank. His 5 shots on the goal emphasized on the fact that how important is he for Real Madrid in initiating attack and completing it.
Midfielders:
Zidane opted with diamond Midfield with Isco in the free role for the first time this season. Kroos was good in controlling the game especially pressing against the opposition. His one on one interceptions with Verratti and Gueye kept them out of the game. Madrid dominated the field for over 80 minutes.
On the other hand, Valverde game performance and efforts in the midfield were too good for his age. He is improving day by day in the club. Real Madrid extended his contract with release clause of £750 million after the match. Valverde literally outplayed Mbappe and Neymar in the attacking lines. He has a big future ahead in the Real Madrid. Zidane has to play him whole 90 minutes in every match and replace the Modric with Kroos instead of Valverde.
Modric came in the second half and initiated the second goal through his beautiful pass. While Isco work rate in the midfield and attack proved that Zidane was right to start him over Bale against PSG. He took the opposite attack and he was very useful in calming the game, refocusing and starting the attack with beautiful interceptions, passing and defensive covers.
Casemiro with the holding role made 4 recoveries with the ball. Casemiro had 4 fouls in the match. He was average in the match. He could not keep his position in the holding role as Pablo Sarabia scored the goal. Real Madrid will need to sign a cover for Casemiro. He has to play all the matches which may lead to decline in his performance.
Attackers:
Benzema scored the 2 goals for the Madrid. He is among the best forwards in the World. He is in the prime form of his life. Benzema was the player of the match. Benzema scored his first goal against any French team in the Champions League. I hope that his form will continue in the upcoming matches.
Hazard was also the most entertaining player in the match for Real Madrid. He was nowhere in the starting but then suddenly after nutmegging the PSG players , he rose on the occasion and never drew back in his efforts. Unfortunately, he got injured and had sprained ankle by his fellow Belgian Thomas Meunier tackle on him. He was forced out of the game.
Gareth Bale and Rodrygo came late in the match and both witnessed the destruction of Madrid with forcing the changes. PSG changed the situation of the match in nearly five minutes. In the end, although it was draw, but it is the Madrid who ended up on losing side and took one point from the match.
Verdict:
Real Madrid will be in difficult situation when qualified for the round of 16. Real Madrid may draw against tougher opponents from pot 1 including Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Juventus. It is the time that will tell. That was all for Real Madrid vs PSG Match Review. What are your thoughts on our match review and how do you think we performed in this game? Let us know in the comments section. We will be back soon. Until then, Hala Madrid!