Match Preview
Leg 2 of the Round of 16 is finally here and Real Madrid have a positive 3-1 lead in the aggregate over PSG. While the score and momentum is in Real’s favor. they still must play dominating football in order to defeat PSG at the Parc des Princes.
Real should be motivated to get this stage of the Champions League all wrapped up, especially since PSG will be without Neymar. Despite being without Neymar, PSG still have Cavani and Mbappe up top that Real will be tasked with defending again. 90 minutes of hard work from Real will see them move on to the quarterfinals in this year’s Champions League.
Injuries
Real had a scare a few weeks ago when Marcelo, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric all went down to injury. All 3 remained questionable for this match, but it seems like there is a clearer answer on match day.
Marcelo will be ready to start against PSG. Kroos and Modric still remain the question marks in regards to what Zidane will do with the both of them. It doesn’t seem like they are 100% yet to start, but should feature off the bench.
As stated before, Neymar will miss this match. This shouldn’t be a huge positive though, as PSG still have Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler who could start in his place.
Prediction
PSG 1-2 Real Madrid
A low score could be in order after Real defeated PSG three weeks ago 3-1. Real conceded the first goal in that match to Adrien Rabiot, which Real cannot afford to do on the road in Paris. Real must be the first ones to score in this match because that will surely dampen PSG’s chances of coming back significantly. Not only does it take momentum away from PSG, it also gives a crucial away goal to what would be a 4-1 aggregate.
With Kroos and Modric both likely not starting, it’s even more crucial for Real to be cautious given how strong of an attack PSG has, even without Neymar. It would be beneficial for Real to use the same strategy against PSG that they used in the 1st leg. Unai Emery and PSG already know they have their backs against the wall in this match, even though it’s at home. They can’t afford to concede any more goals, especially without scoring more themselves. One or two early goals from Real would surely deflate their chances and would likely decide the series.
Real, of course, can’t afford to concede themselves either. Doing so opens the window of opportunity more for PSG to launch a comeback, which is not something you want to do against such a potent attack in their home stadium. And it’s going to be even harder to do so without Kroos and Modric starting.
This is not going to be an easy match for either side, there’s tons of pressure on both. The one who tackles this objective the best will move their way onto the quarterfinals of this tournament. This should be a thrilling end to this stage though and it’ll be interesting to see who comes out the victor. We hope for the best and expecting nothing less.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Date: 03/06/2018
Time: 20:45 CET, 02:45pm EST, 11:45am Pacific.
Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris, France.
Available TV: FOX Sports 1 (USA), BT Sport 2 (UK), Antena 3 (Spain).
Available Streaming: FOX Sports GO (USA), Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a winter discount for new members and Managing Madrid readers).