Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid will face off in their first Round of 16 ties of the UEFA Champions League 221/2022 season on Wednesday, (February 16) at 2 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) at the Parc des Princes. Both clubs will strive to win the game in order to obtain a competitive edge on their opponents before the second tie, which will take place on March 10 at Santiago Bernabeu. Let's have a look at the preview and team news of the Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid match.
PSG vs Real Madrid: Potential Team Lineups
The most important development in PSG's camp is the return of star player Neymar Jr to training. Neymar has been dealing with an ankle ailment since November of last year. Though, Mauricio Pochettino has not ruled him out for the match. He may include Neymar in his squad, but his participation against Real Madrid on Wednesday is far from guaranteed. Apart from him, Spanish defender Sergio Ramos and fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera are also uncertain about this match.
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Predicted Playing XI (PSG):
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Achraf Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Kimpembe (CB), Nuno Mendes (LB), Idrissa Gueye (CM), Marco Verratti (CM), Georginio Wijnaldum (CM), Lionel Messi (RW), Di Maria (LW), Kylian Mbappe (FW)
Real Madrid's main attacking weapon, Karim Benzema has missed the team's previous two matches and is uncertain for the first leg against PSG. Benzema has forged an effective partnership with young Brazilian Vinicius Junior this season. The loss of Benzema will be devastating for Madrid. However, his participation in the match has not been ruled out by the team's management. The left-back Ferland Mendy has been fighting with a hamstring issue, but the latest news indicates that he will be fine for the encounter.
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Predicted Playing XI (Real Madrid):
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), David Alaba (CB), Ferland Mendy (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Casemiro (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Marco Asensio (FW), Karim Benzema (FW), Vinicius Junior (FW).
Head-to-Head: Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid
Both teams have faced each other six times in the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid have won three games so far, whereas Paris Saint-Germain have only won one. The remaining matches finished in a draw. PSG have scored 7 goals against Real Madrid thus far, while Real Madrid have scored 8 goals against PSG. Edison Cavani of Uruguay is PSG's all-time leading goalscorer (30), while Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer (105) in the Champions League. Besides, Real Madrid have the most Champions League titles with 13, while PSG have yet to win one.
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Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain match prediction
Real Madrid's momentum has stalled after winning only two of their last five games and losing the Copa del Ray quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao. However, the Real Madrid side has a history of success in the Champions League, and they have what it takes to upset PSG away from home. All they have to do now is successfully execute their strategy throughout the game.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are two of PSG's most fearsome attacking players. Real Madrid cannot afford to lose control of the ball in this game. Their best formation could be 4-2-2, although they can also play 4-3-3 if needed. Furthermore, Real Madrid will not want to lose the opening leg of the Round of 16 ties, therefore their defense may be tightened in this match.
Oppositely, PSG have several world-class players, but they may opt to take it easy in this match because Real Madrid are a formidable opponent. Mauricio Pochettino's side hasn't played to their full potential despite being top of the Ligue 1 points table.
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PSG may try to counter-attack in this match. They usually like to play in a 4-3-3 system. However, they may switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation for more defensive solidity. PSG have won four of their past five games, indicating that they are on a roll.
Prediction: PSG 2-1 Real Madrid
Verdict
Paris Saint-Germain feature the world's most fearsome offensive attacking three. However, PSG will face one of the most successful teams in the competition in the Round of 16. The midfield of Real Madrid will make it difficult for them to create a perfect counterattack. Besides, while attacking all out, PSG has a habit of creating a massive gap in the center. As a result, PSG must find an appropriate solution to counteract Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are one of Europe's best teams and an overwhelming favorite to win the UEFA Champions League this season. Carlo Ancelotti's team has some outstanding players, and they will develop a perfect strategy to defeat PSG. Oppositely, Mauricio Pochettino's side will try to put Real Madrid under a lot of pressure in this Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid match.
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