Real Madrid booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their last-16 tie in Paris.
The reigning European champions entered the match with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg at the Bernabeu, and finished the job in the French capital to march into the last eight.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Paris, and it is a real cracker of a match as Paris Saint-Germain welcome Real Madrid for the second leg of their last-16 tie. Real Madrid will enter the match with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg at the Bernabeu, and the hosts have a job on to progress into the quarter-finals. Stay tuned here!
Tonight will be the eighth meeting between these two teams in European football. The pair last clashed during the group stage of the 2015-16 Champions League, and Real Madrid won 1-0 at the Bernabeu following a goalless draw in Paris. They also met in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup back in 1994, with French giants PSG winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the French capital. Both teams were in league action at the weekend – PSG recorded a 2-0 win at Troyes while Real Madrid beat Getafe 3-1. Any changes? Let's run through the two XIs for this match...
TEAMS!
PSG: Areola; Alves, Silva, Marquinhos, Berchiche; Rabiot, Verratti, Motta; Mbappe, Cavani, Di Maria
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Lucas, Casemiro, Kovacic, Asensio; Benzema, Ronaldo
Neymar's absence means that there is a spot in the PSG attack for Angel di Maria, with the Argentine joining Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe as part of the front three. Thiago Silva is back to skipper the French giants, while there is also a spot in midfield for experienced Italian Thiago Motta. Julian Draxler and Javier Pastore are among those on the home side's bench tonight.
As for Real Madrid, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are only fit enough for the bench tonight. Mateo Kovacic will start alongside Casemiro in midfield, while Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez are also handed spots in the team. Gareth Bale is fit and available, but the Wales international only makes the bench as Karim Benzema once again joins Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third of the field.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in Paris. I shall speak about Real Madrid a little bit later, but let's start with PSG. The Ligue 1 giants were fancied by many to win the Champions League this season, but they have a serious task on their hands tonight as they look to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Los Blancos.
Adrien Rabiot sent PSG ahead at the Bernabeu last month, but Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Marcelo answered back for Real Madrid to ensure that the reigning champions would take a 3-1 lead into this match. It is not an impossible task for PSG tonight, but there is no question that the absence of the stunning talent that is Neymar has made things a lot more difficult for Unai Emery's team.
PSG set a new Champions League record when they scored 25 times in the group stage of this season's competition. Indeed, they breezed through their section – winning five of their six matches to finish ahead of Bayern Munich. That said, PSG did lose 3-1 at Bayern on matchday six, and there remain question marks over their credentials when it comes to facing the very best.
The French giants have won 24 of their 28 league fixtures this season to top Ligue 1 by 14 points. It is almost certain that they are going to reclaim the French title, but the club's wealthy owners are desperate to make a serious impression in the Champions League. That could have occurred last season but for an incredible turnaround from Barcelona. What an occasion that was!
PSG have lost just one of their last 46 European home matches, while they have won seven of their 14 home games against Spanish opposition. They actually overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit to Real Madrid in the 1992-93 UEFA Cup quarter-finals – winning 4-1 at the Parc des Princes to prevail.
As for Real Madrid, Zidane's side finished second to Tottenham Hotspur in Group H – winning four, drawing one and losing one of their six group matches to make the round of 16. It was the second year running that they finished as runners-up in their section, and Los Blancos have reached at least the semi-finals of the Champions League in each of the last seven seasons, which is a stunning record.
The Spanish giants are bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the eighth successive year, meanwhile, and they have actually lost just two of their last 26 European fixtures. It is also worth noting that Los Blancos have gone through in 46 of the 59 European ties after winning the first leg at home – including against Atletico Madrid in last year's semi-final. Kickoff is fast approaching here!
PSG, however, have won all 19 of their games at the Parc des Princes in all competitions this season – scoring 76 goals in the process. PSG are actually unbeaten in their last 51 home matches, which is quite remarkable. Real Madrid only need to draw tonight though to advance to the quarter-finals.
Zidane's side will enter the match off the back of a 3-1 win over Getafe at the Bernabeu on Saturday night. The Spanish champions are 15 points off league leaders Barcelona, however, meaning that the Champions League is their only realistic chance of silverware this season. Of course, Los Blancos are bidding to become the first team since Bayern Munich in 1976 to win three successive European Champion Clubs' Cups. Kickoff in Paris is now just moments away, stay tuned!
KICKOFF! PSG kick things off on home soil...
... Felix Brych is the referee tonight, and you just hope that we are not discussing the officials after this match. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. This place is absolutely bouncing, and the home side will be looking to score early against the European champions.
Marcelo delivers into the PSG box as Real Madrid work space down the left, but Silva is on hand to make the clearance. Neither team has any time on the ball at the moment as challenges fly in.
The noise inside the stadium is absolutely deafening. Di Maria has been bright for the home side in the opening six minutes, but the Argentine has just failed to meet a through pass from Mbappe.
Good defending from Varane as the Real Madrid centre-back rises to clear a cross from Di Maria as Cavani was waiting to nod home. Both teams have had their moments in the opening eight minutes, but we are still waiting for the first opportunity. Ronaldo has just felled Yuri in a wide position.
Just a reminder that a 2-0 home win would be enough for PSG to book their spot in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid almost always find the back of the net, however, which means that PSG will surely need three tonight. Both teams have been sloppy on the ball in the last few minutes here.
Di Maria has been full of beans for PSG in the opening 12 minutes, and the Argentine has just won a corner after striking against Casemiro. Di Maria looks fired-up against his former club here.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as a stunning pass from Asensio releases Ronaldo, who plays the ball back into Benzema, but the forward's effort is deflected over the home side's crossbar.
Mbappe manages to evade Marcelo before looking to deliver low into the Real Madrid box, but the ball rebounds back against the Frenchman before dropping behind for a goal kick. Still 0-0 here.
Ronaldo switches wings to go over to the left, but the Portuguese is ruled offside. The number seven then has a little kick out at Dani Alves, but the referee takes no further action.
Another half-chance for Real Madrid as the ball breaks for Benzema inside the PSG box following good work from Lucas and Ronaldo, but the Frenchman's effort is deflected over the crossbar.
SAVE! Super save from Areola to keep out a low volley from Ramos!
Real Madrid have been the more threatening in the final third of the field, and that chance for Ramos was easily the clearest opening that either side has had in the first 20 minutes here.
BOOKING! Verratti (PSG) is booked for a foul on Casemiro.
Not an awful lot for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few minutes, but the noise levels inside the stadium are incredible. The PSG supporters really are cranking up the volume.
PSG are not too pleased with the referee as Kovacic is adjudged to have taken the ball away from Di Maria fairly, with the challenge taking place just outside the Real Madrid box. The home side are struggling to create space at the moment, with Real Madrid sitting in before looking to break.
PSG have a free kick in a decent area as Casemiro brings Mbappe to the deck...
... Di Maria's free kick hits the wall before deflecting over the crossbar.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, and we are still goalless. Both teams have had their moments in the final third, but Ramos's volley, which was saved by Areola, is the closest that either side has come. It must be said that the opening 28 minutes have flown past here.
Mbappe sends a cross wide of the far post following decent work in a wide position from the Frenchman and Yuri. PSG need to find a way of isolating Mbappe with one of the Real Madrid full-backs.
Quite a sloppy period of the match as Marcelo loses the ball for Real Madrid before Verratti clumsily passes up possession for the home side. Not too much happening at the moment here.
BOOKING! Kovacic (Real Madrid) is booked for a poor tackle on Di Maria.
The general quality of the set pieces has not been great tonight. PSG have had a couple of chances to deliver into the Real Madrid box, but it has been comfortable for the visitors. It has been a game of few chances and quite a few mistakes. Still goalless on the night in Paris.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and Real Madrid will be pretty pleased with their work thus far. The visitors have just won a corner following good work from Benzema down the left.
Lucas looks to feed a cross into Asensio as Real Madrid break forward with pace and purpose, but Silva is on hand to make the clearance. The resulting corner is then cleared by Marquinhos.
SAVE! Big chance for Real Madrid as Benzema breaks into the PSG box before looking to find the bottom corner, but Areola is on hand to make a really smart save.
Carvajal volleys wide of the post from distance as Real Madrid threaten once again.
PSG are struggling to work the ball into dangerous areas at the moment, and Real Madrid look capable of scoring on the counter-attack. It is a very dangerous game for the home side here.
SAVE! Good save from Navas to keep out a low Di Maria strike as PSG create their best chance of the first period. Much better from the home side in the final third of the field.
SAVE! Smart work from Navas once again as the Real Madrid goalkeeper keeps out a strike from Mbappe, who ignored Cavani in the middle. Perhaps should have passed there!
Plenty happening at the moment as late challenges continue to arrive from both teams.
We are into one minute of added time at the end of the first period here.
HALF-TIME: Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0, meaning that Real Madrid's 3-1 advantage from the first leg still stands in this last-16 tie. Both sides have had chances to make the breakthrough, but it has been a tight affair in the French capital.
STATISTICS! PSG shaded the first-half possession with 55%, while they had three attempts - two of which were on target. Real Madrid, meanwhile, managed two attempts on target from six shots. Two yellow cards to report, with Verratti having his name taken for PSG, and Kovacic in the book for Real Madrid. PSG had 317 successful passes in the first 45 minutes to Real Madrid's 248.
BENCH WATCH! There is no question that Neymar is a huge miss for PSG, but Emery does have quality on his bench tonight, with Draxler, Lo Celso and Pastore all capable of influencing proceedings. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Isco, Modric, Kroos and Bale on a strong bench.
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
Smart work from Mbappe in a wide position as the Frenchman dances past a couple of challenges before looking to deliver, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner. Better from the home side.
Well... play has stopped here because of the flares in the crowd. Incredible.
PSG captain Alves has just asked the supporters to stop, but I should not imagine that will be the case. Play has resumed, and PSG have just had another corner cleared by Real Madrid.
CHANCE! Huge chance for Real Madrid as Marcelo finds the head of Ronaldo with a brilliant cross, but the number seven's effort just drops wide of the post!
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
No mistake from Ronaldo this time! Real Madrid take the lead on the night as the Portugal international hangs in the air to head a Lucas cross into the back of the net. Big moment!
PSG need to score three times without reply just to force extra-time here. I must admit that I am finding that difficult to imagine. The French giants have not been at their best in this match.
This game is set up perfectly for Real Madrid as they continue to sit deep before looking to break. PSG have to go for broke in this match, but they just cannot seem to find that final pass here.
Mbappe drives down the left before delivering low into the Real Madrid box, but Varane is on hand to make the clearance. Benzema then breaks clear for the away side down the other end.
PSG SUB! Pastore replaces Motta for the home side.
The referee has let a lot go tonight, which has been great for the entertainment value, but there have been some strange decisions. PSG have just started to raise the tempo on home soil.
Navas does well to clear a low Yuri cross with his feet as PSG threaten to score.
Quite a scrappy game at the moment as Real Madrid break up play with a series of fouls.
RED CARD! VERRATTI!
PSG are reduced to 10 men as Verratti picks up a second yellow card for having a go at the referee. The midfielder was furious that the official had not whistled for a free kick, and the home side are now a player down against the European champions. That might be the end of PSG's challenge.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining, and Real Madrid are keeping the ball here.
POST! Super chance for Real Madrid to score a second as Benzema finds Asensio with a clever pass inside the PSG box, and the Spaniard strikes the post!
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Real Madrid (Cavani)
PSG are back in the contest! It is a bit of a mess inside the Real Madrid box as Pastore's header hits Casemiro before deflecting against Cavani, and it ends up in the back of the net!
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic is replaced by Kroos for the away side.
Opportunity on the counter for Real Madrid as Benzema races into the PSG box before attempting to lift the ball into the top corner, but his effort is deflected behind for another corner.
PSG SUB! Di Maria is replaced by Draxler for the home side.
REAL MADRID SUB! Bale replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.
BOOKING! Ramos (Real Madrid) is booked for a foul on Mbappe.
GOAL! Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Real Madrid (Casemiro)
Real Madrid secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League as Casemiro sees his effort deflect into the corner of the PSG net after super work from Lucas!
REAL MADRID SUB! Isco replaces Asensio for the away side.
POST! Lucas sees his effort from a Bale cross strike the post!
PSG SUB! Diarra replaces Mbappe for the home side.
Not too much happening at the moment as Real Madrid keep the possession here.
PSG have again fallen short in the Champions League, and it will be very interesting to see where the French club go from here in terms of their manager. Will Emery be sacked?
Possession football from Real Madrid as we enter the final stages of this last-16 tie.
SAVE! Smart save from Areola to keep out a strike from Isco!
We are into the second of four additional minutes here.
Ramos sees a strike blocked as Real Madrid look for a third in Paris.
FULL-TIME: Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 5-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid winning 2-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again!
