DI MARIA HAS TOUGH JOB TO FILL NEYMAR’S GIANT BOOTS

ANGEL DI MARIA will be given the task of replacing Neymar as Paris Saint-Germain attempt the seemingly impossible against Real Madrid tonight.

The French club must overcome a 3-1 first-leg deficit in the last-16 Champions League clash at Parc des Princes.

And they will be without £199million striker Neymar, who has had foot surgery back home in Brazil.

That sees former Manchester United player Di Maria (above, left) leading the attack. “Di Maria is ready,” said PSG coach Unai Emery. “He knows what the Champions League is about.

“Everyone wants to do well but especially Di Maria. He will be starving. Our team, even without Neymar, is able to beat the best Real Madrid team. You play a game with your head and your heart. Tuesday the heart will be the most important thing.”

Dani Alves said: “With Neymar, PSG is stronger, but we’re still strong without him. There are two options: either we sit and cry, or we stand on our feet and fight. I choose the second option. I speak practically every day with him. We have made a deal – we will meet up again later in this competition.”

PSG have won their last 19 home matches and beat Bayern Munich 3-0 in September, but have lost their last five return legs in the Champions League, including a 6-1 thrashing by Barcelona, inspired by Neymar (above, right).