Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain might make up the strongest top-two in any Champions League group, and they face off on Wednesday. The top spot in Group A is at stake when they clash in Paris.
Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
They’re both perfect so far, but one or both of them will have a blemish on their record after Wednesday’s big match.
Both teams have been as good as expected in the early rounds of play, recording back-to-back shutout victories. They’re only separated by a goal in the standings, with Madrid posting a plus-six goal differential, while PSG are plus-five.
They’re on top of their respective leagues as well. PSG have done it a bit more comfortably, winning their last four in a row to go five points clear in first place. Madrid are undefeated in La Liga, but also have three draws, and are tied at the top with Celta Vigo and Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the top scorer in Champions League with five goals. No one else even has four. But PSG won’t be concerned that they’ve spread their scoring load around, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic might start banging in more now that he’s fully fit.
Key matchup -- Marco Verratti vs. Luka Modric
Even though he’s carrying a slight injury, Marco Verratti is expected to start and make a major impact for PSG. He’ll be seeing a lot of Luka Modric, his equal in Madrid’s midfield. These two will responsible for starting their teams’ attacks, and they’ll have defensive responsibilities, too.
First meeting in 20 years
PSG have run into Barcelona a few times since their ascent to the top of French soccer, but not Real Madrid. This will be the first time that the two teams play since PSG started making the Champions League again. Back in the '90s, PSG knocked Real Madrid out of Europe in consecutive years -- in the 1992-93 UEFA Cup and the 1993-94 Cup Winners' Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: David Luiz (knee), Presnel Kimpembe (ankle). In doubt: Kevin Trapp (thigh), Marco Verratti (calf).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale (hamstring), Karim Benzema (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (ankle), James Rodriguez (thigh), Pepe (knock).
Match date/time: Wed., 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
TV: FOX Soccer Plus (US - English), FOX Deportes (US - Spanish), beIN Sports (Canada), Canal + France (France), beIN Sports Spain (Spain), BT Sport Extra (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.), beIN Sports Connect (Canada)
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