How PSG and Real Madrid’s star-studded attacks compare ahead of huge Champions League knockout clash

TWO star-studded attacks will do battle when Paris Saint-Germain welcome Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The two European giants collide in a two-legged Round of 16 tie for a spot in the quarter-finals.

And Real will face two familiar faces in former Barcelona attackers Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Real also know all about Kylian Mbappe as they hope to lure him to the Bernabeu for FREE this summer when his contract expires.

But despite boasting the more glamorous names, in truth, PSG should be more worried facing Real's front three of Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio rather than the other way around.

This season, Mbappe has been the only standout performer in PSG's front three.

Whereas at Real, the goals have been firing in from all over including from Vinicius Jr who is finally starting to show the promise Real knew he had when they signed him for £40million in 2018.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

SunSport takes a look at how the two star-studded attacks compare against each other...

Messi vs Benzema

Messi has struggled to adapt to life at PSG.

He has just seven goals and seven assists to his name, which is uncharacteristic of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Benzema, on the other hand, is looking to help Real win LaLiga and the Champions League.

And his 24 goals across all competitions are making a real difference.

The Frenchman has nine assists to his name too, making him one of the best No9s in world football.

Both will likely start in the middle of their respective front threes.

Neymar vs Vinicius Jr

Neymar, like Messi, has endured a tough start to the season and he has only managed to make 14 appearances for the Parisians.

The Brazilian only has three goals and three assists to his name too.

Vinicius Jr, on the other hand, has 15 goals to his name and eight assists.

The up-and-coming Brazilian winger has also incredibly won 233 duels.

Vinicius has also completed 97 dribbles to Neymar's 48.

Mbappe vs Asensio

Mbappe has been PSG's talisman this season, turning up in the vital moments with last minute goals.

He scored a late winner on Friday against Rennes.

The Frenchman has 21 goals in 31 games this term and he has 13 assists to his name.

Mbappe has played a part in more goals than he has played games.

His opposite number Asensio has a considerably less goals return, but the Spaniard is a different kind of winger to Mbappe.

Asensio has also played nearly half the minutes that Mbappe has.

In terms of how the two teams could line up, both would most likely start with a 4-3-3.

Gianluigi Donnarumma could have Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes starting ahead of him.

Marco Verratti, Gini Wijnaldum and Senegal Afcon hero Idrissa Gueye could man the midfield.

Neymar is nearing a return to fitness and should play a role in the game alongside Messi and Mbappe.

As for Real, Thibaut Courtois could be protected by Dani Carvajal Eder Militao, David Alaba and Marcelo.

Long-time servants Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos could hold down the midfield.

Vinicius Jr is certain to start on the left and Asensio could feature on the right having made 26 appearances this season.

Benzema, however, is touch-and-go. The Frenchman picked up an injury in Real's fixture against Elche a few weeks back.

But he has been named in Real's squad for the all-important fixture at the Parc des Princes.

If he can't make it, Gareth Bale could be handed a start centrally.

⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories