Real Madrid face a defensive test against Paris FC

“Real Madrid have a hole,” Marca writes, also reporting Pau Quesada’s caution: “I don’t dare say there are going to be many goals…” Ahead of Tuesday’s 18:45 meeting with Paris FC at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, the Madrid coach has highlighted the defensive challenge facing his team. The match is part of the Champions League league phase.

Real Madrid have drawn all three of their opening fixtures, against PSG, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Pau Quesada’s side now need to collect points as they seek a place among the phase’s top four, in the coach’s words. “Real Madrid always have that pressure to win; obviously, anything else is not good enough. We want the three points tomorrow because we want to be among the top four in this Champions League league phase,” he said.

Improving their defensive solidity is another priority. Real Madrid have played 15 official matches this season and have kept a clean sheet only against Ajax, Eibar and Deportivo. Marca says the club had conceded at least once in ten consecutive matches before this fixture, a run the outlet describes as the worst in its history. Merle Frohms, meanwhile, has played 30 official matches for Real Madrid, keeping ten clean sheets and conceding 33 goals.

Paris FC arrive with a run that presents another challenge: they have scored at least once in each of their ten official matches so far this season, Marca reports. Quesada has also spoken about defensive changes and injuries. Maëlle Lakrar and Sara Holmgaard were unable to complete pre-season because of a tibia problem and returned to the team after the competition had begun. After Levels suffered muscular problems twice, Silvia Cristóbal was brought into that area. The coach said Cristóbal and Eva Navarro offer different attacking options on that flank.

In Liga, Real Madrid are second on 30 points after 12 matches. Their league record stands at ten wins, no draws and two defeats, with 31 goals scored and ten conceded; they have won their last five league games. Against Paris FC, Quesada also wants his team to find greater solidity in its play. “I don’t dare say there will be many goals like in the other games, because they are very well organised defensively,” he stressed.