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Holders Real Madrid will have to overcome a sizeable obstacle when the Champions League resumes in February after today’s draw pitted the 12-times winners against Paris Saint Germain.
Bidding for a third successive title in Europe's elite club competition, Real paid a heavy price for not winning their group as they were drawn with PSG who were tipped by many as the favourites ahead of the draw.
But former Madrid midfielder Alonso believes Zinedine Zidane’s side will welcome the challenge from the Ligue 1 giants.
The Spaniard is also backing Real Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals, despite their poor star to the campaign.
Champions League odds after the last 16 draw
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“It is tough to say who might be favourites, I am backing Real Madrid”
Xabi Alonso
"Madrid like big challenges and they got just that. It will be a wonderful challenge against Paris," Alonso told UEFA’s official website.
"It is one of those games that you really like, and that those who go to the Bernabeu like to see.
“It is tough to say who might be favourites, even though that means nothing at the end of the day. I am backing Madrid."
Alonso, who recently retired, won the Champions League twice during his career, first at Liverpool and again during his time at Real Madrid.