Real Madrid battled to a deserved point against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday after a goalless draw at Parc des Princes.
Madrid welcomed back Sergio Ramos for the trip to the French capital, the defender having recovered from a dislocated shoulder, while Lucas Vazquez started on the right wing in Gareth Bale’s absence as part of a switch to a 4-4-2 formation.
PSG, meanwhile, named arguably their strongest XI, with former Madrid man Di Maria on the right of a three-pronged attack, which also included ex-Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With neither team prepared to show too much attacking intent due to the prestigious nature of the match, the midfield battle overawed proceedings, barring the occasional sight of goal.
Nonetheless, Madrid had the first half’s best chances as Jese Rodriguez failed to beat Kevin Trapp one on one, Cristiano Ronaldo saw two headers kept out by the German and Casemiro failed to turn in Marcelo’s pinpoint cutback.
The restart served as a continuation of its predecessor, although PSG were unfortunate to have seen Edinson Cavani’s strike from distance cannon off the stanchion behind Keylor Navas’ goal.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, came closest through Ronaldo, who sent a volleyed effort inches wide of Trapp’s far post after he was found unmarked to Marcelo’s left in the box.
The French giants threw on the likes of Javier Pastore, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Moura, with Angel Di Maria well-marshalled by his former club and the latter causing problems with his pace and agility, but Madrid ultimately played their offside trap to perfection.
The result leaves Madrid top of Group A on goal difference and four points clear of qualification following Shakhtar Donetsk’s surprise defeat at Malmo.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain: Trapp; Aurier, Silva, Marquinhos, Maxwell; Verratti (Lavezzi 80), Motta, Matuidi; Di Maria (Pastore 67), Ibrahimovic, Cavani (Lucas 66)
Real Madrid: Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro; Vazquez, Isco (Modric 69), Jese (Cheryshev 73); Ronaldo
Referee: Rizzoli [ITA]
