Former PSG Player Marco Verratti Reveals What Made Playing Against Real Madrid So Difficult

The Italian midfielder had some incredible battles against Real Madrid. In the four group games in the Champions League, they held more than their own, winning two, drawing one, and losing one. However, the two times they have met in the knockout stages, they have not progressed.

Verratti was asked what made facing Real Madrid so difficult. He revealed that even when they suffered, they would still be in danger.

"It's hard to explain. Just when you thought they were down, they'd bounce back. A team that, even without 30% possession, would still kill you. Other teams need the ball to win. Real Madrid didn't."Marco Verratti

Verratti continued,

"Madrid was very pragmatic. They'd play well for 10 minutes and score three goals, while you'd only manage one, even after playing well for 80. A team that knew how to suffer and knew victory would come, and they were sure to come back."Marco Verratti

In the two rounds of 16 games, they lost 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu both times. The last time they took a 1-0 lead to Madrid after the first leg during the 2021-22 season, but were outdone by Los Blancos. Verratti did not shy away from telling Marca how hard it is to play in the Bernabeu.

"It's a big and beautiful stadium. Just when you thought Real Madrid was dead, they'd come back to life. It didn't take much for them to resurrect themselves, and they've proven it not just once, but several times."Marco Verratti

However, in the two group-stage games at the Bernabéu, they drew 2-2. Not many come away with a result when facing Real Madrid at home, so it's a moral victory for the Italian.