PSG – Real Sociedad : Preview & Prediction
Eternal contenders to win the UEFA Champions League (UCL), PSG are contesting the round of 16 of the continental competition for the 12th consecutive season, a round they have failed to reach in five of their last seven appearances. Of those five eliminations suffered by the Parisian giants, three were at the hands of Spanish clubs.
Such a record is certainly not encouraging ahead of their two-legged tie against Real Sociedad, but having lost only seven of their last 72 home games (G46, E19), PSG must be confident of going into the second leg with an advantage. However, five of those seven defeats have come in their last 22 continental matches at the Parc des Princes, although it should be noted that PSG have not lost at their stadium since September (G11, E2 in all competitions).
Looking to become the first visitors since Nice (PSG 2-3 Nice, 15-9-2023) to emerge victorious from the Parc des Princes, Real Sociedad come into the clash going through a major domestic blip. Beaten 1-0 by Osasuna on Sunday, the San Sebastian outfit have gone four games without a goal (E3, P1) – 394 minutes have elapsed since their last goal – a worrying run they will be looking to put an end to in their first UCL round of 16 in 20 years.
Defensive solidity can sustain Real if their lack of attacking prowess persists in their first-ever European clash against PSG. The Txuri-urdin side, who advanced to the UCL knockout rounds as the team that conceded the fewest goals (two) in the group stage of the current edition, kept a clean sheet in each of their three group outings.
Key battle: Ousmane Dembélé won as an FC Barcelona player in nine of their ten matches against Real Sociedad (G9, P1), scoring four goals, all after the break. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro has four clean sheets for Real in UCL 2023-24, but of the goalkeepers who played six group stage matches, Remiro is one of those who recorded the fewest saves (11).
Noteworthy fact: PSG scored exactly one goal in four of their last five UCL matches.
PSG – Real Sociedad : Betting Tips
PSG – Win Odds: 1.65
