Soccer / scorum patronage

Published on 15 February 2022 - 18:50 GMTBy Dokubo. Karim Benzema praises Messi.It's exciting times again in the European football scene as the UEFA Champions League makes a return today with the Round of 16 of the 2021/2022 season. The Round of 16 tie that has got everyone talking is the big one between Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid.As part of the build up for this crunchy tie, fans and pundits are up in their games with so many talks here and there. One of such talks that has been making the rounds recently is Karim Benzema's comments on opponent Lionel Messi.In an interview in the month of January, Benzema discussed the balon d'Or and UCL tie with PSG. In that interview Benzema did not shy away from showing his respect and admiration for Messi. As part of his response to those who were criticising Messi and questioning his PSG move, he said quote "Anyway, you can't criticise a player like that. Anyone that criticises Messi doesn't really understand football."UCL Fixture: PSG vs Real Madrid Photo Credit: UEFA.comPSG will play host to Spanish giant Real Madrid as the lock horns tonight at Parc Des Princes. Kick-off is set for 21:00 GMT.Key Players for Paris for tonight's game Lionel Messi - Although having a poor season domestically, you can never write off Messi on the big European stage. His 5 goals in the group stage justifies that. The fact that he's also facing a favourite opponent in Real Madrid will serve as another booster for him to bring his A-game.Kylian Mbappe - Unarguably PSG's best player this season is firing from all cylinders - domestically and in Europe. With 4 goals and 4 assists in the group stage, he is one that Real Madrid will be wary of.Key Players for Real Madrid for tonight's gameToni Kroos - Kroos has been a constant figure in Carlo Ancelloti's side this term playing 26 matches so far. Kroos ability to control the game from the midfield makes him key to Madrid's play tonight. So far this season, he's averaged 2 shots per game, 2.1 key passes, 8.8 long balls per game with a pass accuracy of 95%. One to keep an eye on. Vinícius Jnr - In what has been a sterling season for the young Brazilian, Vini Jnr will want to continue with his impressive displays. With Benzema being a doubt for this fixture due to a muscle problem, Vinícius will most likely be the one to give PSG's defense problems. He has 2 goals and 3 assists so far in this season's competition.Links and TrivialsThis UCL tie presents an opportunity for a reunion for a number of old pals😁• Carlo Ancelloti returns to face his former employers, having managed Paris between December 2011 - May 2013.• Sergio Ramos, although out of tonight's game through injury, will have a chance to face Real Madrid after having played for them a whopping 671 times.• keylor Navas was the man between the sticks at Real Madrid from 2014 - 2019, winning three consecutive UCL title in that period.• Angel Di Maria will always be remembered for his Man of The Match performance for Real Madrid in the 2014 UCL final against neighbors Atlético Madrid. Real won 4-1.• Achraf Hakimi was part of Real Madrid's UCL winning side in 2018.• Ferland Mendy is a product of PSG's Academy. Played there between 2004 - 2012.ConclusionIt is said that when two giant elephants fight, the ground suffers. We hope this two giants suffer us tonight with exciting game of football. Cheers guys!