Alonso’s team looked set for a comfortable 2-0 win in regular time before Kylian Mbappe’s spectacular bicycle kick restored their two-goal cushion after Maximilian Beier had briefly narrowed the gap.
Drama ensued when Dean Huijsen committed a professional foul inside the box, earning a red card.
Serhou Guirassy converted the penalty to bring the score to 2-1, and it took a world-class save from Thibaut Courtois in the 99th minute — denying Marcel Sabitzer — to keep Madrid from being dragged into extra time.
That incident exposed some vulnerabilities in Real Madrid’s defense, and they’ll face an even greater challenge against the reigning European champions.
PSG will be without two key defenders — Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez — both sent off in the win over Bayern. Lucas Beraldo is expected to step in at the heart of the backline.
Ousmane Dembele remains a doubt for this fixture, although he has made two substitute appearances in the knockout rounds after recovering from a minor injury.
One player to watch is Achraf Hakimi. The former Real Madrid right-back has either scored or assisted in each of PSG’s last three matches in this tournament, including an assist against Bayern.
Madrid also face defensive setbacks, with Huijsen suspended after his red card against Dortmund.
Raul Asencio is likely to earn a rare start — his first since receiving an early red card just 10 minutes into the match against Pachuca in the group stage — although Eder Militao has returned to full fitness after an ACL injury.
Alonso’s bench against Dortmund was loaded with attacking firepower, including Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Brahim Diaz. But all eyes are now on rising star Gonzalo Garcia, who has netted four goals so far in the tournament.
Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Doue, Kvaratskhelia
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asencio, F. Garcia; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde; Guler, G. Garcia, Vinicius Junior
