UCL: Mbappe Makes PSG Squad Against Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe was passed a late fitness test to start for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday.
PSG was given a scare when Mbappe picked up a knock in training on Monday, but PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino had indicated the striker would recover and so it proved.
Mbappe took his place in PSG’s front three alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi, the Argentinian returning to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time since leaving Barcelona last summer.
There were no surprises in the Real Madrid line-up as Toni Kroos shook off a hamstring strain to start while Fede Valverde replaced the suspended Casemiro in midfield, chosen ahead of Eduardo Camavinga.
Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez; Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)
- Read more: Real set to restore pride against PSG
PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes; Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Danilo; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino (ARG)
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian/PSG.