Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both cruising into the knockout stages of the Champions League, and sit level on seven points at the top of their group. They’re four clear of nearest competitors Malmö FF, and it would take a slip-up of monumental proportions for either to fall at the first hurdle. However, that doesn’t mean they have nothing to play for when they face off at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday. They’ll both be gunning for victory in the knowledge that the winner of this match will likely go on to win the group, guaranteeing themselves (at least theoretically) an easier draw in the first knockout round.
Real Madrid vs. PSG 2015: Time, TV schedule, team news for Champions League matchday 4
Real Madrid welcome PSG to the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, with both sides vying over their Champions League group’s top spot.
Hopefully that means we’ll see an exciting encounter between two teams throwing caution to the wind, though don’t bank on it. The reverse fixture a few weeks ago dismally failed to live up to its promise, with coaches Laurent Blanc and Rafael Benítez’s overly cautious approaches ensuring it was a game of few chances and even less entertainment. We can probably anticipate another cagey game in Madrid, with perhaps a moment of individual brilliance necessary to make the difference.
Key player: Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
It may have taken a while, but Edinson Cavani has finally found form at PSG. The Uruguay striker has netted seven times in Ligue 1 so far this season, despite having made only nine starts. Quick, powerful and a deadly finisher, the former Napoli man is back to looking something like his confident best. Forget Zlatan Ibrahimović: Cavani could well be the man to make the difference here.
Key matchup: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Serge Aurier
This game's most intriguing individual matchup should come out on Real Madrid's left wing, and not just because that's where Cristiano Ronaldo will be. In the reverse fixture, Paris Saint-Germain's young right back Serge Aurier impressed with an incredibly energetic performance, with the Ivorian using his lightning pace to stretch play on the attack and reinforce his side's defense. He'll have to be at his best again.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Carvajal (ankle). In doubt: Pepe (muscular problem); James Rodríguez (thigh); Gareth Bale (calf).
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: David Luiz (knee).
Real Madrid’s only certain absentee is full back Carvajal, though he’ll likely be joined on the sidelines by midfielders James and Bale. Defender Pepe is doubtful with a muscular problem, though he was fit enough to make the bench in Madrid’s victory over Las Palmas on Saturday.
PSG’s only injury concern is defender David Luiz, who has been ruled out of the last few matches with a knee problem.
Match date/time: Tues., Nov. 3, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: FOX Sports 2 (US - English); ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2GO (US); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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