Former French national team goalkeeper Youri Djorkaeff believes that the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between "Paris Saint-Germain" and Real Madrid could determine the outcome of the entire tournament.
The Parisians, who have attracted Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, are named as favorites this year and topped Group B, surpassing Bayern Munich. However, their opponents have been the strongest in Europe in the last two years.
Since the club was taken over by investors from Qatar, PSG has not yet managed to even reach the semi-finals, and last season the Parisians squandered a four-goal lead against Barcelona. Therefore, the outcome of the matches against Real is far from clear.
"To be honest, Real Madrid is the only team I feared before the draw ceremony," - Djorkaeff, who defended PSG's honor in the 1995-96 season, told "Le Parisien."
"The Parisians' squad is superior both in quality and quantity to the majority of the quarter-final teams."
"However, facing Real will be really hard. They have won three of the last four Champions League titles, and that says a lot."
"Nevertheless, we must also see the positive side. These two clashes between Real Madrid and PSG will be watched all over the world."
"If the Parisians progress to the next stage, then I think this year they will go all the way, as it will give confidence to the whole club."
"Without a doubt (it will give confidence to - ed. note) the players, but also to the entire PSG environment, players' families, the media, etc."
"This can provide an incredible boost and dynamic. However, conversely, in case of defeat, the end of the season could become very long... That would be terrible."
"Having lost the Ligue 1 title last year, Paris Saint-Germain now comfortably lead the championship. With one game more played, Monaco is lagging behind Unai Emery's pupils by several points."
