PSG on perfect stage to emerge as a force in Europe

MADRID — There couldn’t be a better place or opponent for Paris Saint-Germain to show it’s ready to take the next step to becoming a soccer powerhouse in Europe.

PSG takes on Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday in a first-leg match in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“It’s the perfect timing for this game because we want to continue to grow and this is a chance to show it,” PSG coach Unai Emery said on Tuesday. “It’s always good to play against a top club and we’re playing against the reigning champions. It doesn’t get any bigger than that.”

Madrid, a 12-time European champion, has won the competition in three of the last four seasons.

PSG is on a mission to establish itself as a top contender among the European elite. The Qatari-funded club spent a record 222 million euros to get Neymar from Barcelona and boost its chances of finally succeeding in the Champions League. It has never made it past the semifinals of Europe’s top club competition.

“The Champions League is special because it’s the most difficult competition to win,” Emery said. “I came to Paris to play games like this, and to win them. We want to play against the best players in the world.”

PSG was eliminated by Real Madrid rival Barcelona at the same stage last season, collapsing 6-1 at Camp Nou Stadium after having won the first leg at home 4-0.

PSG and Madrid met in the group stage of the Champions League in 2015, with Madrid winning 1-0 at home and the teams drawing 0-0 in Paris.

“I’m expecting a really intense game,” Emery said.