Paris Saint-Germain’s players appeared completely at ease at their training session on Tuesday despite the upcoming clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
PSG trained as they prepared to face Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday evening in the biggest game of their season so far.
But the pressure didn’t look to be getting to Neymar and Co as they joked around during the session at PSG’s Camp des Loges training centre.
(L-R) Marco Verratti, Neymar and Marquinhos joke around during the training session in Paris
Neymar (left) appeared in good spirits at the training session with Edinson Cavani (centre)
Neymar was at the heart of the jokes as he jumped on Marquinhos and Marco Verratti before embracing strike partners Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe.
The £198million world-record signing was also spotted deep in conversation with team-mate and compatriot Thiago Silva ahead of the clash.
The Brazilian wrapped up warm in a snood and hat to combat chilly four-degree temperatures in Paris during the session.
Neymar scored the only goal of the game on Friday night as PSG beat Toulouse 1-0 last time out to go 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
The Brazilian shared a word with his compatriot Thiago Silva in a more serious moment
Verratti and Layvin Kurzawa roar with laughter during Paris Saint-Germain training on Tuesday
Verratti play-fights with Angel Di Maria as PSG prepared to travel to the Spanish capital
His preparation for the Madrid clash included a visit to a tattoo parlour on Monday as he got inked with some Champions League-themed artwork.
PSG will be flying to Madrid in some style with a special customised aeroplane laid on by shirt sponsors Emirates featuring images of their stars across the chassis.
Madrid meanwhile warmed up for the PSG tie with a 5-2 rout of Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday evening with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging a hat-trick.
Zinedine Zidane’s men are the two-time defending champions in Europe but have struggled for form this campaign and sit 17 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Presnel Kimpembe hitches a lift on fellow defender Thomas Meunier at the Camp des Loges
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi (centre) was all smiles as he watched his players train
Mbappe will be facing the club he almost joined when PSG play Madrid at the Bernabeu
Wednesday evening’s game sees Neymar face his potential future employers Madrid with reports in Spain suggesting the Brazilian could move to the Bernabeu.
The Madrid hierarchy are split on whether they want to pursue Neymar and some believe he would be out of place at what is still considered a traditional club.
But current Real player Marcelo has talked up the chances of his compatriot Neymar joining him in the Spanish capital.
I think Neymar will play for Real Madrid one day,’ Marcelo told Esporte Interativo. ‘Would Neymar fit at Real Madrid? He would fit, for sure.
‘It would be great if he came to Real Madrid. ‘In my opinion the great players have to play at this club.’
German midfielder Julian Draxler was also present at the training session in chilly Paris
PSG’s all-time record goalscorer Cavani stretches as he gears up to face the Spanish giants
Dani Alves geared up for the Champions League last-16 clash with his team-mates in Paris