Real Madrid will relish PSG test, says Xabi Alonso

Two-time Champions League winner Xabi Alonso believes Real Madrid will enjoy the chance to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster last-16 tie.

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The reigning champion was drawn against Neymar's men on Monday after its second-placed finish in Group H denied it a seeded berth.

Read: CL Draw: Real faces PSG, Chelsea draws Barcelona

Madrid comfortably accounted for Borussia Dortmund and APOEL home and away, but managed only a point from its two meetings with Tottenham.

Read: PSG can compete with Real Madrid, says Unai Emery

And despite it sitting fourth in La Liga – eight points off leader Barcelona – former Los Blancos favourite Alonso insists his old club will not take a backward step.

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"Madrid like big challenges and they got just that. It will be a wonderful challenge against Paris," Alonso told UEFA.com.

"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."