PSG has Upper Hand
Despite having invested a fortune, PSG isn’t the favorite to win the UEFA Champions League title. The Parisians are currently offering a +700 price in the sportsbook to do so. Hey, at least it’s better than the +3300 offered by Real Madrid.
Those odds drastically changed after what happened in the first leg of the Round of 16. PSG defeated Los Blancos 1-0, meaning a draw at Santiago Bernabeu is enough for the visitors to advance. The home side knows a lot about comebacks, though. In fact, they performed one last Saturday in La Liga.
Real Madrid Not Satisfied
Real Madrid is the clear soccer betting favorite to win La Liga title, especially after what happened last weekend. Los Blancos trailed Real Sociedad by a goal at Santiago Bernabeu but finished winning 4-1. Plus, Sevilla drew 0-0 to Alaves, allowing Real Madrid to increase its advantage at the top up to eight points.
Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio were the scorers. Like PSG, Los Blancos also have talent to spare. Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Gareth Bale and Isco didn’t play last Saturday. Asensio and Marcelo Vieira came off the bench. That’s one way to redefine the meaning of luxury.
The thing is, for Madrid’s fans and front office, winning La Liga title isn’t enough. The whole team is well aware of that, including head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“We need to press more in the second leg. We are behind on the scoreboard and need to be better on the ball. We will have 11 gladiators plus the Bernabeu,” said Ancelotti to the press.
Los Blancos haven’t lost at home since late September when they lost 2-1 to Sheriff. Since then, they own a 10-3-0 record. That streak includes beating some heavyweights like Sevilla, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Also, keep in mind that they scored in 11 of those matches and finished with a clean sheet seven times.
No major injuries to report here. Real Madrid’s projected lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro; Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema.
PSG has Road, Injury Concerns
Believe it or not, PSG lost two of its last five Ligue 1 games. They fell 3-1 against Nantes and, most recently, 1-0 to Nice. Both games were on the road.
Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Ander Herrera, Sergio Ramos and Leandro Paredes didn’t play against Nice. Mbappe didn’t play due to suspension while Hakimi and Herrera are expected to recover from injury.
However, Mbappe reportedly suffered a foot injury during Monday’s training session that has his status for the game in doubt.
Ramos returning to Madrid could be a great story, but the center back has barely played for PSG. I think he can help more off than on the field. After 16 seasons playing for Los Blancos, he must have some useful information.
Here’s another fact that it may be hard for you to believe. Regarding the UCL, PSG remains winless on the road. During the Group Stage, the Parisians drew 1-1 against Club Brugge and 2-2 against RB Leipzig. They lost 2-1 to Manchester City.
Even so, you won’t find a more tempting betting online underdog than PSG, especially at +175. Playing at Santiago Bernabeu suits Lionel Messi very well. With Barcelona, he scored 15 goals in 22 games there. Plus, Mbappe is aiming to break the transfer’s record and a memorable performance in Madrid would help a lot.
The pressure is on Real Madrid’s side. As I mentioned before, any draw is enough for them to advance. If Real Madrid wins by one goal, there will be overtime, no matter the score. UEFA eliminated the away goal rule.
PSG’s projected lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes; Danilo Pereira, Marco Verratti, Georginio Wijnaldum; Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar.
Real Madrid vs PSG Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 11
- Real Madrid Victories: 4 (13 goals)
- PSG Victories: 4 (15 goals)
- Draws: 3
My prediction for the first leg was that PSG would win by one goal. However, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is the main reason why my prediction wasn’t completely fulfilled (PSG over 1½ goals). PSG made eight shots on target while Real Madrid made none. Courtois even prevented Messi from scoring from the penalty spot.
Mbappe saved the day with a great individual play when there wasn’t much time left. Now, the Parisians are aiming to do something they haven’t done since 1994 and defeat Real Madrid on the road.
You can expect goals. These two have drawn 0-0 only once.
Real Madrid vs PSG Game Information
- Date: Wednesday
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
- Real Madrid vs PSG Live Stream: fuboTV
Real Madrid vs PSG Betting Lines
Real Madrid vs PSG Prediction
I expect quite a show at Santiago Bernabeu. In fact, I expect the second leg to be a goal-fest. Los Blancos need to attack right from the start. Benzema and Junior, who have combined for 42 goals in all competitions, will lead the way.
The problem is that the urgency will make them more vulnerable than usual. It’s a problem because Mbappe, Messi and Neymar could also be considered sprinters. I can’t think of a better trio to play on the counter-attack. And as if that wasn’t enough, Angel Di Maria will be waiting on the bench. Here’s another explosive combination for you to include in your soccer picks: Draw + Over.
Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2, PSG 2
