PSG Vs Real Madrid Match Predictions: In this titanic clash between Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid, we shall look at the pivotal three players.
Paris Saint Germain will face Real Madrid in the opening day of the Champions League. It will be a tough one to predict as the current form suggests the French outfit, while the history pinpoints the record Champions League holders.
The Parisians will be hoping to lift the Champions League this year after spending hefty money over the last few years. The French side also did some good piece of business in the summer transfer window. There were some incomings and managed to keep Neymar, who is pivotal to their hopes of competing for this competition.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, had a disastrous campaign by getting knocked out by Ajax in the Quarterfinals. The Los Blancos have a flurry of titles over the last six years and could repeat the same feet if their new signings kick off their new endeavours in a good way. They have made good signings, but their form has been a concern of late.
Unsurprisingly, PSG are the favourites in this game because of their work in the transfer market. There’s only a marginal difference between these two sides and it is a tough one to predict.
As we discuss this game, we shall look at three players who could change the game on their own.
#3 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Karim Benzema is the most undermined Real Madrid player. The Frenchman has the third-most goals in the Champions League history and has a good record since the turn of the New Year. Additionally, he has also scored four goals from opening four La Liga games this season.
There’s no shortage of supply for the former Lyon striker. He had the problem carrying the ball from the midfield department which will be resolved by Eden Hazard currently. The Belgian is arguably the best dribbler in the world currently and he could set up his teammate more often than not.
Apart from showing clinical nature in front of the goal, Benzema is the first-choice penalty taker. He could score goals from the open play and penalties too.
#2 Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury against Toulouse, but he has passed the fitness test. The Frenchman will take part in this game against Real Madrid on Wednesday and could potentially play through the right-wing.
The PSG attacker was the second-best highest scorer in the top five European leagues after Lionel Messi last campaign. He played in eight Champions League games, scoring four and assisting five in the process. It was a treat to watch through the middle, linking up with Edinson Cavani and Neymar. With Mauro Icardi, the World Cup winner will have the luxury to feed them or interplay with them.
Real Madrid have shown weakness in the left side of their defence. Ferland Mendy and Marcelo struggle defensively, while Sergio Ramos’ recklessness has cost them at times. This could help Kylian Mbappe’s course to run past their defence and increase his output in the final third.
#1 Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)
Eden Hazard was the priority for Zinedine Zidane in the summer transfer window. The Belgian confirmed his transfer away from the club after triumphing the Europa League with Chelsea in latter May.
The 28-year-old is yet to find the back of the net for the Los Blancos because of the injury lay-off, which kept him out for more than a month. It has been a rough start, but he’s back, firing cylinders and could make a huge impact against Paris Saint Germain.
His signing will prompt Zidane to change his method by over-relying on their full-backs. They used to carry the ball from the defence and put in crossed to find either Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema in the penalty box. However, the Belgian will ease the burden of the full-backs and carry the ball to feed Karim Benzema, who is a very good finisher.
PSG also do not enjoy a good right-back and current struggle through that position. This could help Eden Hazard to complete plenty of dribbles.
