Real Madrid vs PSG - Long night ahead for versatile Nacho

When the draw for the last-16 was made, the stand out tie was Real Madrid’s double-header with PSG. It’s the glamour match up fans had hoped to see, but scant reward for the French side, who topped their group. Nevertheless, this is as good a chance as any for the Ligue 1 giants to prove they’re worthy contenders for the Champions League. 

Should PSG knock the 12-time European champions out at this stage, Unai Emery’s side are likely to be instilled as favourites to win the Champions League. Real Madrid, though, are experienced enough to know what it takes to navigate one of Europe’s heavyweights, even accounting for their sub-par domestic form. 

On home turf, the supporters will demanding a win, regardless of the opposition, but it’s the suspension of Dani Carvajal that may hinder Los Blancos’ chances of victory tonight. In his absence, Nacho is set to deputise and while the Spaniard has impressed when called upon this term at centre-back, out of position against one of Europe’s relentless attacking outfits, he may struggle. 

Nacho has made three league and Champions League starts at right-back this season to return a WhoScored rating of 7.07. That’s not the worst, but having started the 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund at right-back, it was clear the Bundesliga side identified the 28-year-old as a potential weak link having focused 39% of their attacks down their left. 

Indeed, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first goal came from a cross into the box from Dortmund’s left, while the Gabon international’s second came as he found space between Nacho and centre-back Sergio Ramos. Nacho couldn’t have a tougher opponent on Wednesday night either, with the Real Madrid defender set to face off against Neymar. 

The Brazilian has made an immediate impact in Paris, scoring 24 goals and registering 14 assists in 24 Ligue 1 and Champions League appearances. Coming into tonight’s meeting at the Bernabeu, Neymar is the top rated player in the Champions League with a 9.24 and has won the WhoScored man of the match award in four of his six outings. 

Having scored in two of his three away appearances against Real Madrid, Neymar is a player who shows up for the big occasion and tonight’s tie should prove no different. If he’s on song, it could prove to be a long evening for Nacho in the Spanish capital.