Real Sociedad vs PSG Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
When is Real Sociedad vs PSG on and what time does it start? Real Sociedad vs PSG will take place on Tuesday 5th February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Sociedad vs PSG? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Real Sociedad vs PSG on in the UK? Real Sociedad vs PSG will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Real Sociedad vs PSG in the UK? Real Sociedad vs PSG can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
REAL SOCIEDAD
Trailing PSG on aggregate by two goals to nil, Real Sociedad require the sort of turnaround that would be remembered for ever in San Sebastian if they were to pull it off. They’ll certainly need to improve from an offensive perspective if they are to stand a chance though, having failed to register a single shot on target in the first-leg.
However, home advantage being in their favour in this occasion gives them hope, as does the fact that they realistically have nothing to lose. Not many expect Sociedad to pull off a comeback but when factoring in PSG’s previous round of 16 demons, nerves will start to jangle within the Parisians’ camp should the hosts open the scoring.
PSG
So far, so good from a PSG perspective, but now they must finish the job in Spain. Luis Enrique’s men dominated the first-leg in Paris, ultimately winning 2-0 with second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola. Enrique will have been particularly happy at how his side snuffed out Sociedad’s attacking threat and finding that same balance in the second-leg will be important.
Since these two teams last met, PSG have stumbled a fraction domestically and come into this game on the back of consecutive draws. The French champions needed a 97th minute penalty to rescue a point against Rennes before playing out a 0-0 draw away at AS Monaco, although they remain nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL SOCIEDAD
A back problem renders attacker Ander Barrenetxea a serious doubt, the 22-year-old having not featured for Real Sociedad at the weekend in La Liga. However, in better news forward and January signing Sheraldo Becker is back available after missing the first-leg with a hamstring injury. When taking into account that Becker scored twice in the group stage with Union Berlin, he could be thrown in from the start by Imanol Alguacil with goals needed.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Becker, Silva, Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Elustondo (Injured), Fernandez (Injured), Odriozola (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Barrenetxea (Injured), Oyarzabal (Injured)
PSG
Luis Enrique has a decision to make regarding who partners Marquinhos in the centre of defence. Lucas Hernandez should play at left-back, which would mean either Danilo Pereira or Lucas Beraldo playing at centre-back with the other missing out. After scoring in the first-leg, Bradley Barcola is expected to start again on the left side of a front three with Mbappe central.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Danilo, Hernandez; Zaiire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola
UNAVAILABLE: Asensio (Injured), Kimpembe (Injured), Skriniar (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Real Sociedad have won only three of their last ten UEFA competition matches (D4 L3).
- Real Sociedad have not won the second leg in any of their last five UEFA competition ties (D2 L3).
- Real Sociedad have won only two of their previous seven UEFA competition matches against French teams (D1 L4).
- Real Sociedad have not scored a goal in their last three UEFA Champions League matches.
- PSG have lost only one of their last seven UEFA Champions League matches against Spanish teams (W4 D2).
- PSG have only failed to score in two of their last 23 UEFA Champions League matches.
- PSG have won their round of 16 tie in only two of their last seven UEFA Champions League campaigns.
- Nine of the last 12 goals scored by PSG in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage have been scored by Kylian Mbappe.
THE PREDICTION
Real Sociedad may have drawn admirers from across Europe for their defensive play across this season’s Champions League, but in order to go any further, they will need to come out of their shell and risk overextending in a bid to turn this tie on its head. This should only play into PSG’s hands when considering the weapons they possess on the counter-attack, not least Mbappe, who is likely to thrive in such an environment. PSG’s quality told in the first-leg and is expected to do so again on this occasion, especially with more space potentially available in behind for their attacking players to exploit. Therefore, back an away win.
TIP: PSG TO WIN
