Tonight's second leg of the Real Madrid PSG Champions League clash is without the primary narrative of the first leg, thanks to Neymar's metatarsal fracture. While the Brazilian absence does weaken the French side, they do have several capable replacements in their attacking arsenal.
One of their expected starters is Ángel Di María, despite the fact he did not even come on during the first leg. The Argentinian looks set to face his former club and it seems revenge is very much on his mind.
Dermot Corrigan has reported on the genuine anger Di Maria has towards his former employer. It stems from an incident prior to 2014's World Cup final, when Argentina took on Germany. The Argentine FA received a letter from Real Madrid pressurising them not to play Di Maria as he had a quad problem and it may reduce his transfer value. Argentina lost and Di Maria was an unused substitute.
As he revealed to sofoot.com, Di Maria has not forgotten that act.
I received the letter the same day as the final, read it, and ripped it up. It said Argentina would be responsible for what happened if I played the final. I don’t need to remember that final to be motivated against them. To play against Madrid is a motivation in itself.
Corrigan reports that both Di Maria's agent and wife publicly lamented Real Madrid president Florentino Perez who was allegedly trying to force the winger out of the club.
They grudge extends back as far as his ill-faithed move to Manchester. While there, Di Maria penned an open letter to the Bernabéu faithful clarifying he never wanted to leave the club but was unhappy with the hierarchy and also upset by the club's suggestion wage demands were the reason he left the club.
Di Maria is not the only PSG star gunning for Real Madrid. Former Barcelona talisman Dani Alves has said this week he is relishing the chance to end Madrid's Champions League defence and wants to 'send a message to Europe.'
If ever there was added spice to an already exciting fixture, this is it. The tie is currently 3-1 in favour of Madrid and kicks off tonight at 7.45pm.
You can read that Unibet piece here.
