Toni Kroos has said that Real Madrid have drawn the strongest possible Round of 16 opponent in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League after they were pitted against PSG.
PSG had initially drawn Manchester United, while Real Madrid got Benfica. However, due to a technical glitch, UEFA had to nullify the first draw, and the draw was then done afresh. The second draw pitted PSG and Real Madrid against each other in a blockbuster matchup.
Calling PSG an 'interesting' opponent, Kroos said that PSG are a formidable team, but Real Madrid would be up for the challenge as they seek to reach the last eight. He said:
“They are an interesting opponent for (us in) the next round, the most difficult among the five that were possible for us. These are the games that we are playing for, and we are looking forward to playing it because there will be a lot of quality on the pitch."
"We'll see what happens; we remain Real Madrid. We are still waiting for this type of game, and we are confident to move into the quarter-finals."
The Champions League Round of 16 fixtures will take place in February and March. Kroos stressed the importance of focussing on the domestic league and other cups before the knockout stage of the Champions League commences. He added:
“For the moment, we must forget that. There is this La Liga, and a lot of games to play before (that). We must continue on the same dynamic until Christmas, and continue to take points to get closer to the goal, which is the La Liga title. This is the most important,;we focus on that and then on the Champions (League)."
PSG vs Real Madrid would be a riveting affair with intriguing subplots
PSG have faced Real Madrid six times in the Champions League. They have won just one of those games, while Los Blancos have won three.
The last time the two teams faced each other in the Champions League Round of 16 was in 2017-18. Real Madrid emerged 5-2 winners over two legs on that occasion. They went on to win their third Champions League title, 13th overall, in as many years.
PSG would look to improve on their rather dismal record against the 13-time winners as they look to win their first Champions League title.
Meanwhile, another interesting subplot in this tie will be the return of Sergio Ramos to Madrid, albeit in PSG colours. The man who spent 16 seasons at Real Madrid, winning titles galore, will return to the Bernabeu as an opponent this time.
There is also Kylian Mbappe, who has been linked with a move away from PSG, with Real Madrid touted as his likely destination. As per reports, Mbappe could sign a pre-contract with Los Blancos (in January) by the time he faces them in February.
Both from a footballing perspective and off-the-field aspect, PSG vs Real Madrid is all set to be a clash for the ages.
Gunners4ever❤
113
Benfica was an easier draw for them than P$G. Real Madrid got lucky with the re-draw there. On the pitch, P$G just have 11 good individual players while Real Madrid has 1 team, and football is a team sport.
wiseman45
60
yeah correct difficult but very interesting, its going to be a very good match
siubcdipst
48
psg is nothing to realmadrid
jesalam14
35
Ramos returning to the barnebue... looking in to the poster and see he's reflection in white...💔 from white to navy blue. very sad 😌
MadridMaldives
24
I personally see this draw as something very positive though logically on paper teams like Benfica, Sporting or Salzburg would have been easier opponents: 1️⃣ We have very little to lose and a lot gain by facing PSG and on the contrary PSG has a lot to lose if they couldn’t defeat Madrid. They are desperate to win this trophy and anything less than that would be a big failure for them specially when they have Messi, Mbappé and Neymar. The pressure is on them and not us. 2️⃣ If we overcome PSG, automatically we will become one of the favorite to lift the trophy. 3️⃣ If Real Madrid wants to win UCL they have to defeat any opponent that comes on their way just like they did it in 2017/18: PSG, Juventus, Bayern and Liverpool. 4️⃣ It’s a golden opportunity for our youngsters like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Militao to shine and show the word what they are really capable of doing. 5️⃣ We might not have so many individual starts but our players work as a team better than PSG. 6️⃣ Carlo Ancelotti is much more experienced coach compared to Mauricio Pochettino specially on the highest level of European football and that can make a huge difference. 7️⃣ Last but not least, games like this usually end up winning by the teams with the best history and last 3 UCL final are proof of that: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham, Bayern 1-0 PSG and Chelsea 1-0 City. I don’t know about others but I am very optimistic and I have many reasons why I believe we can defeat PSG.
Rupeez
19
Psg is nothing in front of him
HussainDannounz
8
It will be an interesting game because there will be much quality on the pitch