PSG vs Real Madrid Preview- Paris Saint-Germain will be locking horns with Real Madrid in the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first-leg tie at the Parc des Princes. The game will be played on the 16th of February 2022 (IST).
It promises to be a clash of the titans and the biggest gladiator match in this round of the Champions League. PSG has been a team on the ascendancy. With a 16- point lead in the Ligue 1, they are expected to put all their focus and attention on winning the one trophy. The one that matters the most to them. The one that has constantly eluded them in their quest to become a dominant European powerhouse.
They somehow stuttered to 2nd place in their group, with draws against Leipzig and lowly Brugge, overshadowing their statement 2-0 win against Manchester City.
Real Madrid has bounced back in style after suffering what was an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to first-time participants Sheriff Tiraspol. Since then, they went on about their business like the 13-time champions of Europe are expected to. They were thumping the likes of Shakhtar and staging convincing victories over Inter.
The next challenge that stands in their way of winning the competition for the 14th time will be to overcome a side that is on paper, one of the brilliantly assembled squads complete with star power. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is well-aware of the monumental challenge that stands in front of him and he knows that nothing but a win will fuel the fire of the lofty expectations of their fans who are accustomed to success.
PSG vs Real Madrid, 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League
Date- 16th February 2022
Time- 1:30 am IST
Venue- Parc Des Princes, Paris
Form Guide
Paris Saint-Germain- W-W-L-W-W
Real Madrid- W-D-L-W-D
Team News
PSG will definitely be without the services of former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. Midfield lynchpin Ander Herrera is out due to a thigh injury. But the return of star Brazilian Neymar will bolster the team. He is expected to make his first appearance after recovering from a serious ankle injury.
Midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye will also be available after helping Senegal win their maiden African Cup of Nations. Real Madrid has Ferland Mendy passed fit and available for selection but will be sweating on the fitness of their star striker and talisman Karim Benzema, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, which forced him to be on the sidelines for the Los Blancos last two fixtures.
PSG probable starting XI
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes; Verratti, Gueye, Wijnaldum, Messi, Mbappe, Di Maria.
Real Madrid probable starting XI
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Ascension, Vinicius Jr, Benzema.
Predictions
This game has multiple storylines being played out simultaneously. The biggest one is how will Mbappe perform against a team he has openly admitted to being his first preference. The Frenchman has been in very good form this year. It will be interesting to see how will he fare in this game.
That is, especially considering the fact that Neymar struggling with injuries throughout the year. Messi’s inability to reach the heights of his dominant self at Barcelona, has seen him shoulder the bulk of the attacking responsibility. It is something that he has done very well so far.
Real Madrid will hope that Karim Benzema and a newly reinvigorated Vinicius Jr, along with a midfield three that have seemed to have found the fountain of youth, will have the know-how to gain an advantage. They will want them to shine in a match that is billed as the greatest gladiator match of all. Expect a thrilling and open battle in this game.
Score Prediction– PSG 2- 2 Real Madrid
