PSG vs. Real Madrid Champions League Prediction: Neymar and Karim Benzema Are Both Fit for the Most Anticipated Match of the Round
PSG vs. Real Madrid Champions League Prediction: Neymar and Karim Benzema Are Both Fit for the Most Anticipated Match of the Round
When: Tuesday, February 15 - 3:00 pm ET
Where: Parc des Princes, Paris
Click Here for PSG vs Real Madrid Odds
PSG vs. Real Madrid Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain: Internal issues
The Ligue 1 giants bolstered their squad with some of the biggest names in the game, including the likes of Leo Messi, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma and many predicted that PSG not only will have fun in Ligue 1, but they will easily win the Champions League this season.
That hasn’t been the case. Yes, they are comfortably leading the French top-flight league standings but without impressing. Yes, they lost just once in 24 games having the best attack with 52 goals scored but in moment moments during their games, they look disjointed and shaky at the back.
On paper having a team that includes Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and even Georginio Wijnaldum would be perfect for any coach. It looks like Mauricio Pochettino lost the dressing room with many of his players being unhappy with their status.
Following his transfer from Liverpool, Wijnaldum has barely been featured by Mauricio Pochettino and his brief spell in Ligue 1 has been tainted by frustration. Rumors are saying that PSG could send him back to the Premier League but a return to the Reds seems unlikely. Wait there’s more… Gianluigi Donnarumma has admitted his battle with Keylor Navas for the starting goalkeeper role at PSG has taken a toll on him.
Mbappe’s current deal at the club expires in the summer and he’s expected to move to Spain. Where? To Tuesday’s opponents Real Madrid..a strange situation. Neymar has been missing from Paris’ starting line-up since November 28 after picking up a ligament injury in the capital club's 3-1 win at Saint-Etienne. According to the latest news from PSG’s camp, Pochettino will name Neymar in his squad for the Real Madrid game, although he is likely to start from the bench.
Lionel Messi has struggled to find his best form at Paris Saint-Germain since his high-profile summer transfer from Barcelona this summer. He scored just two domestic goals this season offering seven assists. Recent reports have indicated that Messi is unhappy in Paris as he has failed to settle in the city and at the club.
With all these issues, PSG are still favorites to win the first leg being priced at -105 with Unibet and to qualify further at -125 with Bet365.
Real Madrid: No Benzema No Party
Ancelotti’s men have scored the most goals in La Liga, and they are also at the top of the table with a four-point lead. But during the last period, they suffered, winning just one in their previous four games across all competitions. On top of that, they scored just one goal in their last three games. Karim Benzema has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury on January 23 against Elche but could make a dramatic return against PSG.
Ancelotti had been positive about Benzema's prospects, although the fact he played no part against Villarreal indicated Madrid will not force him from the first whistle. He will probably make his appearance in the second half if needed. Gareth Bale was deployed as a central striker but without any notable results. Still, despite not being able to score more than once in the goalless draw against Villarreal, Real Madrid controlled the match having 17 goal attempts and six shots on target. Without Benzema, Vinicius Junior is the player to watch with the Brazilian forward enjoying a superb season with his club.
Los Blancos have massive experience in this competition and are known to raise their level even more when playing against top teams like PSG. This should be a goal-fest with PSG expected to contribute on the scoreboard. Only twice have Pochettino’s men failed to score at this venue this whole season across all competitions. But they also struggle at the back keeping just one clean sheet in the group stage. Over 2.5 goals in the match should be the play but the price is not ideal (-150 with Unibet). Instead, we are looking at a different market. Real Madrid are a bit overpriced and we don’t expect them to lose this leg.
PSG vs. Real Madrid Pick
- Real Madrid +0.5 (-125) (Bet $125 to Win $100)
*Odds Available at Bet365 at Time of Publishing*
Article Author
Alex Campean has been a soccer fan since 1990 when he watched the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. He knows everything about the top 5 European leagues, Champions League and Europa League and he is well known for his “trade-mark” “Alex Classic” bet (both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in the match). He’s very disciplined, follows a strict set of rules, and has great bankroll management. He’s our European soccer specialist and he's having an average of 55 units of profit in the last 7 years with his soccer picks. He’s all about positive energy, respect, and long-term profit and if you ever hear “Alex’s last-minute goal” that means he did it again winning a bet in the last minute of the game, so never lose hope.