UEFA Champions League: PSG v Real Madrid preview, odds, predictions

PSG and real Madrid bring the derby from UEFA Champions League round of 16. The two powers will have their first meeting in Paris, at the Parc des Princes. We’ve seen them face off often over the past few years, once in the knockout stage as well. Even though they are in first place in the respective national leagues, neither team plays impressive football. Some say it’s because of the conservative style which Pochettino and Ancelotti prefer, others say the reasons are different. The future will tell which ones are right.

Overview

PSG (+100) ousted victory against Rennes in the last test before the clash with Real. Mbappé scored in stoppage time for the 1-0, and a good atmosphere in the locker room. The Saints have only suffered one defeat in the last 14 games, and that was against Nice in the Coupe de France, after penalties.

The Parisians then bounced back furiously, beating Lille away, 1-5. Just to remind you that they lost the title and the Cup to this unit last season. It was arguably the best game for Pochettino’s team in three months.

At home, PSG is very strong, especially the offensive part of the team. We’ve seen them score twice or more in seven of the last 10 games at the Parc des Princes. However, Messi and the lads only scored once in the last 180 minutes here.

real Madrid (+200) gets away with undeserved wins throughout the campaign. Even the games in which they didn’t play well at all end with Los Blancos triumphing. But in the last four games, they only managed to deliver one victory.

The main reason for this was a bad attack, as Real scored one goal in 270 minutes. The absence of Karim Benzema is felt massively, and Ancelotti does not have the player capable of covering his absence. These three competitions all ended with one or no goals.

Real’s tactic is quite simple. Close all paths to the goal and form a tight block in front of the box. After winning possession, the target is Vinicius and the young Brazilian is tasked with leading the break.

Recent news

Due to a calf injury, Sergio Ramos won’t play against his former side. Herrera is also absent, as are Letellier and Michut. Neymar injured his ankle a long time ago and he can’t attack the old rivals.

Benzema is the only unavailable player on Real’s list. Still, his impact is greater than any of the absent PSG players in the squad.

head to head games

PSG and Real contested the 2019 UCL group stage, and the French powerhouse won at home, 3-0, while the rematch ended 2-2. In 2018 they were also in the knockout stage and Real eliminated the opponents winning in both clashes, 1-2 in Paris and 3-1 at home.

Prediction

The best thing to do here is to go for low efficiency. It’s the first leg, and we’re sure Pochettino and Ancelotti won’t take too many risks, which is why under 2.5 goals stand out as the best choice.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals +120

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