PSG vs Real Madrid Predictions

• PSG have won once across their last six knockout ties at home in this competition
• Real Madrid won all three group stage away games
• Benzema has scored five goals across his last four Champions League games

Pick of the round

With plenty of mismatches across the last 16, this clash in Paris is clearly the standout of the round. This is the league leaders of France and Spain going head-to-head for a spot in the last eight of Europe’s biggest competition.

Of course, there are plenty of subplots going on as well. Kylian Mbappe is hoping he’s facing his future employers, Sergio Ramos will be hoping to face his former employers and Lionel Messi meets Barca’s arch-rivals. Not only that, but this clash pits PSG’s quest for a maiden European title against the continent’s most successful side.

Questions for PSG

The Ligue 1 leaders recently exited the French Cup to Nice, which is another mark against Mauricio Pochettino. That’s led to rumours of former Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane heading to Paris, yet another link between these two.

Those murmurs can’t be doing the current boss and his squad much good right now. Thiago Silva spoke last season about the pressure to succeed in Europe at PSG, while the French side still haven’t settled their side after a busy summer window.

Compare that to Real Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti exudes calm. The Italian has great European pedigree, while he’s improved a Real side who made the last four of this competition last term without impressing. The Spaniards look stronger now, making them the worst possible opponents for PSG.

No home comforts for PSG

PSG have only won one of their last six home games in the knockout stages of the Champions League, losing four of those. That run includes a really poor showing last term, in which they lost twice and drew once on their way to the semis.

Real Madrid won all three of their away games in the group stage to nil, while they have Karim Benzema returning to France in fantastic form. Benzema has scored in each of his last four Champions League appearances, hitting five goals. We’re backing him to find the net in this clash too.

With Real having a great blend of youth and experience I’m backing them to catch PSG cold this week. The French side eased through their group but this is the point when their problems seem to start, so take the value in Real to pick up a sixth win in seven games in Europe this term.