Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he and reigning two-time Champions League winners Real Madrid are not afraid of French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Europe.
Following their shock defeat to Tottenham earlier this month, Real Madrid face the prospect of finishing second in Group H, which would pit the defending champions against a European powerhouse.
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PSG have already qualified for the knockout round with two matchdays remaining and loom as a potential opponent in the last 16, but four-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is not scared.
“I’m not afraid of Paris Saint-Germain,” Ronaldo told L’Equipe.
“We’re the defending champions, two years in a row, we have to respect that.
“We would prefer to finish first in the group, but the most important thing first of all is qualification.”
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It has been an unconvincing start to the season for Ronaldo and Madrid.
{{/usCountry}}It has been an unconvincing start to the season for Ronaldo and Madrid.
{{/usCountry}}After claiming the LaLiga and Champions League double last season, Madrid find themselves third in Spain and eight points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona.
Ronaldo has only scored once in LaLiga this term, while he has six goals in the Champions League with Madrid three points behind group leaders Tottenham.