NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Real Madrid versus Paris Saint-Germain. Cristiano Ronaldo versus Neymar. Historic achievement versus burning ambition.
Two-time defending Champions League winner Madrid was drawn Monday to play the tournament’s standout team in the last 16, made possible because the 12-time champions finished second in their group while PSG won its group.
“They (PSG) are really very strong in every department of the field,” Madrid director Emilio Butragueno said. “But I have to underline, we are the holders and our players, they always rise to the occasion.”
PSG bought Neymar from Barcelona for a record 222 million euro ($262 million) fee in the offseason with a specific aim of winning a first European title.