Real Madrid vs PSG: UEFA Champions League - Preview and Prediction

Ligue 1 Champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium to take on perennial contenders Real Madrid in a crucial Champions League encounter. 

The Los Blancos have had a rough year so far and are looking far from their best. They sit second in the La Liga table as well as in their Champions League group. This is a far cry from the standards they set every year and they will be itching to improve their form.

Real had a fruitful transfer window as they brought in able replacements for their ageing squad. Although, the signings have not had the desired impact yet and the club is very much in transition.

The Parisian club, on the other hand are on a roll as they sit comfortably atop in both the league and Champions League tables. A few shrewd signings in the summer have plugged some holes in their squad and they are looking stronger than ever.

All of PSG stars are now back from their respective injuries and are fit to play in this clash. The last time they came face to face with the Madrid club, they thrashed them 3-0, which would give them the belief that they can replicate the result away from as well.

Team News

For the 13-time champions, Marco Asensio is a long-term absentee. The duo of Lucas Vasquez and James Rodriguez are also sidelined of the clash and Nacho is doubtful for this encounter.

Toni Kroos will return to the playing eleven after sitting out at the weekend. Whereas, Gareth Bale has been involved in controversies of late and will look to do his talking on the pitch. 

For the Thomas Tuchel’s side, Ander Herrera, Layvin Kurzawa, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thilo Kehrer remain sidelined. Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. and French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe are fit for the clash, which leaves Tuchel with a difficult decision of leaving one of Angel Di Maria or Mauro Icardi out on Tuesday night.

Key Battles

Sergio Ramos vs Kylian Mbappe

The Madrid captain brings winning mentality to his team with his battling approach to the game. He is a warrior on the pitch and gives his all for the team’s cause. 

The 33-year-old also win matches for his team and is one of the game’s highest scoring defenders. His experience and exuberance will come in handy in this difficult European fixture.

Mbappe is a force to be reckoned with ever since his arrival on the footballing scene. The 20-year-old has been breaking records left right and centre.

Zinedine Zidane is also his massive fan, given his recent statement that he is in love with Mbappe. There have been rumours doing the rounds that the World Cup winner may come to Madrid and he will try to impress one and all.

Ramos will have to bring out all his experience to the fore to neutralize the threat being posed by Mbappe. The Madrid number four is known for his poor disciplinary record and will have to be very careful with the pace and trickery of Mbappe.

Karim Benzema vs Thiago Silva

Benzema has been one of the bright spots for Madrid this season. He is scoring consistently and trying his level best to be the difference maker in the team, which he was always primed to be.

The Frenchman is the fourth highest scorer in the competition’s history and can’t be taken lightly. His link-up play and instinctive finish will come in handy to unsettle the PSG’d defence.

Thiago Silva is one of the old-school defenders, who would take no prisoners while dealing in 50-50 situations. The veteran defender has been consistent this year as well and has formed a handy partnership with Presnel Kimpembe. 

The Brazilian has been a great servant for PSG ever since his arrival as World’s second most expensive defender. His work rate and leadership qualities are second to none and he can most certainly galvanize his team for one last to win the most coveted trophy in club football.

Prediction

PSG’s form has been amazing this season with new signings perfectly settling in the squad. The Parisian club are also unbeaten in the Champions League by winning all four matches with big margins. 

Los Blancos, on the other hand, are far from their best this season with new signings still finding their feet. Although, they are playing at home and we can’t underestimate the Madrid club in this competition.

Madrid are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season (W6, D3), while PSG have won seven of their last eight away from home. Home soil and history would favour Madrid as they always bring out their best in big matches but PSG can turn the tables this time around with a victory at one of Europe’s most famous stadiums.

Score Prediction: Real Madrid 1-2 PSG