Real Madrid progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a thrilling 2-1 win over a determined 10-man Paris Saint-Germain side at the iconic Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening.
Match Highlights
Both teams pushed hard in the first half, with plenty of action at either end, but the scoreline remained goalless. Real Madrid asserted dominance during the early stages, which eventually paid dividends when Cristiano Ronaldo netted a crucial goal in the 51st minute.
Despite being down to ten men after Marco Verratti’s sending off, PSG fought back with Edinson Cavani slotting in an equaliser. However, Real’s Casemiro sealed a dramatic victory with a powerful strike in the 80th minute to end all hopes for PSG.
- PSG 1 – 2 Real Madrid
- Ronaldo’s decisive header breaks the deadlock
- Verratti shown a second yellow, reducing PSG to 10 men
- Cavani pulls one back amidst scrappy play
- Casemiro’s late strike confirms Madrid’s win
Detailed Match Report
Under immense pressure after a 3-1 first-leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, Unai Emery’s PSG arrived with hopes fading. Madrid’s first-half was filled with threatening attacks, including Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema testing PSG’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with several close-range chances, all brilliantly saved.
In the second half, Real capitalised on a mistake from Dani Alves, with Asensio creating the opening for Lucas Vazquez to find Ronaldo, who headed the ball home from close range.
PSG’s fightback was hindered when Verratti was red-carded for dissent, forcing the team to play with ten men. Cavani managed to claw a scrappy equaliser amid a chaotic box scramble, but it was not enough as Casemiro’s deflected shot in the 80th minute put Madrid back ahead.
The defending champions showcased their grit and skill to hold on, with a few late chances denied by the woodwork. This result propels Real Madrid into the Champions League quarter-finals, setting the stage for their continued European campaign.
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