Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team's round-of-16 tie with Real Madrid "could be a Champions League final" given the quality of the players involved and Lionel Messi playing a "fundamental role". supported.
Tuesday's first leg game at the Parc des Princes will see Messi and Kylian Mbappe - who Madrid tried to sign last year and hope to land this summer - go up against LaLiga giants, though former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos Missed the injury.
Ramos is one of several former Real Madrid players now in the PSG squad, with goalkeeper Keeler Navas, right-back Achraf Hakimi and midfielder ngel Di Maria all expected to play against their former team.
"It's a tie that could be a Champions League final with these names, players and quality," Pochettino said in a pre-match news conference on Monday. "We respect Real Madrid, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"Their 13 Champions League titles tell you that it's not just about the players or the coaches, it's about the strength and internal structure of a club. PSG have been waiting to win this trophy for 50 years. We challenge are about to give. We're trying to build a team to get closer to that dream."
PSG sporting director Leonardo admitted that the clubs were "not happy with Madrid's behaviour" as they attempted to agree a deal in the final weeks of the summer transfer market, so both clubs hit the pitch upon Madrid's pursuit of Mbappe. went.
Both teams lead their home leagues, with PSG 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, while Madrid have a four-point advantage at the top of LaLiga.
"[Real Madrid] are a great team, they always raise their level at crucial moments of the season," Pochettino said on Monday. "There have been times when they haven't been so good in the league, but they have won the Champions League. They have that solidarity and the ability to compete."
The coach said Messi - who is PSG's top scorer in the Champions League this season with five goals - could help the French club take the next step in Europe.
"In crucial games, on crucial nights, [Messi's] talent and experience will play a fundamental role, both individually and collectively," he said.
Ancelotti agreed with Pochettino's assessment that both sides have the talent to reach the Champions League final.
Ancelotti said, "We have full confidence in the world. This is a tough opponent, who wants to win this competition like us, it could be the final and no one would be surprised."
"We are excited to beat an opponent who can compete to win the Champions League."