Champions League:Real Madrid v PSG combined XI- Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar take their place

The European Champion Real Madrid take on PSG today in the first-leg of the standout tie of the Champions League Round of 16. It’s a fixture that’s almost impossible to call. Real Madrid are the two-time defending champions with the greatest record of all-time in the European Cup. However they meet a side that have made winning the Champions League their top priority – and have backed up that ambition with wild spending in the transfer market.

In addition each team boasts a superstar arguably capable of dragging their team singlehanded to the trophy, with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo lining up for Real Madrid and the world’s most expensive player Neymar turning out for PSG. Ahead of the tie we’ve selected a combined XI from their star studded squads, with those two obviously making the cut. See who else made it below…

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Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid)

Alphonse Areola has done well to progress through PSG’s academy and into he first team considering the money being splashed around the Parc de Princes, however at 24 he’s not quite yet the finished article. It means Keylor Navas gets in the side, despite Real Madrid permanently trying to replace him. It’s harsh on the Costa Rican who’s played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League wins.

Defence:

Marcelo (Real Madrid) Marquinhos (PSG) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Dani Alves (PSG) Despite now being 34-years-old Dani Alves continues to be a menace down the right hand side. And with his old Barcelona connections he’ll be trying extra hard to put Real Madrid out of the competition. He’s joined at the back by Marquinhos who did more than his centre-back partner Tiago Silva to help PSG concede just four goals during the group stage.

Sergio Ramos is a must in any Champions League XI if he’s an option – the Real Madrid captain always rises to the occasion both literally and metaphorically with the defender weighing in with the goals and spirit needed. Marcelo’s effective assistance to the attack make him the obvious choice at left-back.

Midfield:

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) Marco Veratti (PSG) Luka Modric (PSG) Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have been overrunning the best midfields in Europe over the past couple of seasons and despite the former struggling for form this season he keeps Julian Draxler and Adrien Rabiot out the side. Marco Veratti is the one PSG midfielder with the youngster an increasingly impressive performer. He’s picked up a couple of assists and a couple of goals already in the competition.