(Football news) Real Madrid are due to face PSG on 15th February at Parc de Princes for the first leg of the UCL Round of 16. The game will see a lot of interesting matchups with Lionel Messi playing against his former rivals. Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who is now playing at PSG could also feature in the game but it is unlikely since due to injury issues. Leandro Parades and Neymar Jr are other players doubtful for the game. 

Real Madrid have problems of their own as Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema are big doubts. The French pair are injured and could miss the first leg which swings things massively in PSG's favour. Benzema has scored 24 and assisted 9 goals this season. He is Real Madrid's star man as Los Blancos look a completely different team without him. Mendy on the other hand has been solid at left back ever since his arrival from Lyon. Without him Real Madrid's defensive stability will significantly drop.

Real Madrid have missed Benzema for the past two games and both times Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to not play 2nd choice striker Luka Jovic. The Italian has used a false 9 in both the games as Asensio started the first one where didn't score a goal against Athletic Club and were knocked out of the Copa del Rey and Isco started in the next game against Granada where Madrid broke the deadlock only after Luka Jovic was introduced.

Carlo Ancelotti may have realised that a false 9 isn't going to work and he will have to trust Luka Jovic. The problem is that the Serbian isn't as mobile as Benzema and doesn't like to get involved in the build up Madrid are accustomed to play. However, he is a good poacher even if he has scored only 3 goals for Real Madrid. Vinicius Jr will have a lot of responsibility in the attacking side of things.

PSG have had moments of glory but overall they have been a little underwhelming this season. The away goals rule has been abolished this year so the first tie will be very crucial. Even though it is a crucial game, Ancelotti wouldn't be too keen on risking Benzema as there will be a 2nd leg and there is still a lot to play for in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe will be going up against his dream club. Reports suggest that if PSG lose the tie then Mbappe will announce his decision to join Real Madrid on a free deal but the announcement would be delayed if the French club go through.

There are reports that the PSG dressing are confident that they will 'destroy' Real Madrid. Benzema's absence clearly makes PSG favourites but if one thing 67 years of Champions League has taught us, it is to never count out Real Madrid even if they are having the worst of seasons. The limelight now remains on Benzema, Mendy’s fitness and on what team Carlo Ancelotti picks.
 

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