real madrid vs paris fc — Madrid defend slender lead in Women’s Champions League play-off
Real Madrid carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League play-off tie with Paris FC, setting up a tense return at the Spanish side’s home ground. After an entertaining first meeting in the French capital that swung back and forth, both teams must balance risk and caution as they fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
Match context and what to expect
The opening leg delivered five goals and drama late on, leaving the tie finely poised. Paris FC struck first, but Real Madrid produced three goals to seize control before an 89th-minute strike from Maeline Mendy restored hope for the visitors. That late finish guarantees Paris FC will approach the return with an attacking intent; they need at least one goal to level the tie and two if they are to avoid extra time without an away-goal cushion.
Expect an open contest. Paris FC’s necessity to score could force them into a more aggressive setup than usual, which in turn could expose spaces for Madrid’s forwards to exploit. If the hosts can control possession and pin back Paris FC’s attacking transitions, they should be able to manage the tie. Conversely, if Paris FC find rhythm on the counter or from set pieces, the French side have shown they can punish lapses at the back.
Team news and likely lineups
Real Madrid may field a familiar 4-3-3 shape with a forward trio capable of stretching defensive lines and creating overloads in wide areas. Goalkeeping options are in flux for both clubs given recent injury questions; Madrid could start Misa, while there are fitness doubts affecting a handful of squad players. One of Madrid’s key absences remains Teresa, who is out injured and not in the matchday squad.
Paris FC are likely to remain compact defensively but will tweak personnel to chase the necessary goal or goals. Their predicted setup leans toward a 4-2-3-1 that can shift shape when attacking. Several visitors are carrying knocks or listed as questionable, which could limit rotation and force reliance on experienced starters for the trip to Spain. Expect coaches from both sides to make tactical substitutions in the second half depending on how the scoreline evolves.
Key battles and final verdict
Control of midfield will be decisive. Madrid’s ability to dominate possession and link play from deep midfielders to the forward line will determine how comfortable they are defending the one-goal cushion. Paris FC must find a way to disrupt that rhythm, either by pressing higher up to force turnovers or by committing full-backs forward to create overloads down the flanks.
Individual battles to watch include Madrid’s wingers versus Paris FC full-backs, and the duel between the sides’ attacking midfielders for control of the creative zones. Set pieces could also swing momentum; with such a narrow margin, a single delivery or defensive slip could decide the tie.
Prediction: Madrid’s home advantage and quality in the final third make them slight favourites to see out the tie, but Paris FC’s late goal in the first leg proves they cannot be underestimated. Expect an intense 90 minutes with goals at both ends — a narrow home victory for Madrid and more than 2. 5 goals in the match is a plausible outcome.
