Champions League: Real Ready to Seek Revenge on PSG

Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain

Real Madrid have come a long way since their first meeting against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League opener. During that time, Zinedine Zidane side was struggling mightily at the back as they were humiliated 3-0 in Paris.

However, Real have gotten back on track in a big way and will be in fantastic form heading into their rematch against PSG at the Bernabeu. They host the French champions with their sights still set on claiming top spot in Group A.

But as the Champions League 2019 odds indicate, defeating PSG will be easier said than done, especially with superstar Neymar back available for the Parisians.

Talking Points

Real on a roll

Real Madrid are suddenly looking like one of the best teams in Europe once again. They’ve won five of their last six matches in all competitions, the most recent of which was a 3-1 home win over fifth-placed Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Real conceded after just two minutes in that match, which snapped their streak of keeping a clean sheet in five consecutive matches. But they fought back with goals from Karim Benzema, Fede Valverde, and Luka Modric.

Benzema has been in fantastic form for the Spanish giants this season. He has now scored 10 goals in 12 La Liga games and has added four assists. He also got his Champions League tally up and running last time out when they thrashed Galatasaray 6-0 at home.

Teenager Rodrygo grabbed the headlines in that match as he scored a sensational hat-trick. He got the start against Sociedad, but he was subbed of for the controversial Gareth Bale in the second half.

The Welshman received a predictably hostile reaction from Madrid fans after his whole flag incident during the international break. It remains to be seen whether Zidane will turn to Bale from the start against PSG or if he keeps his trust with the Brazilian teen.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric had by far his best game of the season with a goal and two assists. The Croatian has now recorded four assists in his last three matches for club and country and is finally finding his best form after some recent injury problems.

PSG back to full strength

Paris Saint-Germain have not exactly been lighting the world on fire in France of late. After their shock 2-1 defeat away to Dijon, they have scored just five goals in their last three games. But the important thing is that they’ve won all three.

PSG’s Champions League 2019 results have also been outstanding as they’ve won all four fixtures thus far. And more impressively, they’ve yet to even concede a goal in this year’s campaign.

Mauro Icardi has been in blistering form for the Parisians. The Argentine marksman has scored in eight of his last nine games. He’s bagged four goals in his last three Champions League matches.

But despite his brilliant scoring streak, it’s a doubt whether he will even start against Real. That’s because Neymar has now returned from a hamstring injury which kept him out the past few weeks.

Chances are manager Thomas Tuchel will go with Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Angel Di Maria as his front three against Real. Di Maria tore his old club to shreds as he recorded two goals in their first meeting. And he will come into the rematch in fine form once again, as he’s scored in each of his last two games.

Angel Di Maria ready to face his former team in the Champions League — Angel Di Maria acknowledges the fans after scoring for Paris Saint-Germain

Tuchel could also have some concern in midfield with both Marco Verratti and Ander Herrera doubtful to feature. Julian Draxler got the start against Lille with Verratti and Herrera out and will likely keep his place if they remain unavailable for Madrid.

History

Real Madrid and PSG have met nine previous times in their history. Real have the slight edge in wins (4-3), while there have been two draws.

Prior to this season, they last met in the round of 16 in 2017/18. Real won both legs–3-1 in Spain and 2-1 in Paris–as they went through 5-2 on aggregate.

Betting Tip

	Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain	Real Madrid 1X2 @ 2.31
	November 27, 04:00 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds for this match between the two European giants are quite even. Real are only slight favourites at 2.31 at home, while PSG are priced at 2.96 to preserve their 100 per cent record. A draw is 3.35.

As impressive as PSG have been thus far, it’s hard not to take Real in this one. They are in outstanding form at the moment and will have home advantage. Moreover, you just know they will be a bit more motivated to get the win after getting embarrassed in Paris.