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Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Madrid Draw Blank at PSG


Real Madrid took a big step towards finishing top of Group A when they held Paris Saint-Germain to a 0-0 draw in the French capital.

The French champions enjoyed most of the possession but took an over-cautious approach and injury-hit Real had the best chances through Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesé in the first half.

The Spanish 10-times European champions stayed top of the group with seven points from three games and lead PSG on goal difference, with the reverse fixture to come in Madrid in two weeks’ time.

Malmo are third on three points after beating Shakhtar Donetsk, who have yet to win a point, 1-0.

Real entered the contest having conceded only two goals in eight La Liga games and none in two matches in Europe and they looked solid throughout. They were without the injured Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and James Rodríguez.

PSG were almost at full strength with their preferred midfield of Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti and were only missing the centre-back David Luiz through injury.

The hosts imposed their usual possession pattern on the game and had their first clear chance after 11 minutes when Matuidi’s low shot was blocked by Keylor Navas.

Motta anchored the midfield as PSG played neatly although they were too slow up front and Ángel Di María looked clumsy while their striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a night to forget.

In true Rafael Benítez style Real played tight, looking to bring the ball forward as quickly as possible when they had the chance, but PSG were vigilant.

The visitors had a big opportunity in the 25th minute when Kevin Trapp made a fine save from Jesé after he had collected a brilliant through-ball from Toni Kroos.

The German keeper was at it again 10 minutes from the interval, tipping Ronaldo’s header over the bar as Real began to take control. Casemiro forced Trapp into another save with a long-range shot.

PSG were back in possession after the break and Edinson Cavani went close when he latched on to a cross from Motta in the 49th minute.

Lucas came on for Cavani and Di María made way for Javier Pastore as Laurent Blanc looked to spice it up up front shortly before Isco was replaced by Luka Modric for Real Madrid.


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