PSG vs Real Madrid 2019 UEFA Champions League Odds & Preview

As UEFA Champions League play gets underway, one of the most exciting early matchups comes from France, as Real Madrid will tangle with Paris Saint-Germain. This is a rematch of the round of 16 tie from last year’s Champions League. Club Brugge and Galatasaray are the other two teams in this group, so this is likely the battle for the top seed heading into the knockout rounds. PSG looks to get off to a better start this year after losing to Manchester United in the round of 16 — dropping a 3-1 clunker at home after winning 2-0 at Old Trafford. Real Madrid also fell in the round of 16 last year, losing the home fixture to Ajax, 3-0, after winning in Amsterdam, 2-1, in the first leg. Who will win on Wednesday? Don’t miss our soccer betting preview.

PSG vs Real Madrid 2019 UEFA Champions League Odds & Preview

🏟️⚡️ 🔜 #PSGRM 🔴🔵 #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/zQrRQCcV6V

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 18, 2019

When: Wednesday, September 18, 3:00pm ET Where: Parc des Princes, Paris TV: ESPN Radio: None Live Stream: ESPN+ Soccer Odds: PSG -0.5

Why should you bet on Real Madrid?

Sergio Ramos and Nacho are the biggest players who will not appear for Real Madrid in this game. Marcelo and Luka Modric are also on the shelf. However, Eden Hazard is ready to go, and along with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, Real Madrid has the personnel to push an attack. The team comes in after beating Levante in La Liga play this past weekend, as Benzema posted a brace. The main problem for Real Madrid is the number of holes that have opened up in their defense thanks to these injuries. They struggled in the International Champions Cup and still lag behind Barcelona when it comes to putting together elite play in La Liga. If you like Real Madrid, you see them rebounding from some early defensive woes in La Liga play and taking a step up from their ICC play, taking the action to PSG.

Why should you put your money on Paris Saint-Germain?

Kylian Mbappe will not take the pitch for PSG due to injury. Edinson Cavani remains on the shelf, and Neymar is serving a suspension. Mauro Icardi will be tasked with leading the attack, along with Angel Di Maria. PSG still is rich in terms of talent, but coming into this match without their top attackers will keep them from scoring as much as they might like. They do come into this match with a three-match winning streak in Ligue 1 play. PSG has been a stout club at home and remain one of the elite soccer clubs in all of Europe. They will enter with plenty of motivation to start their Champions League run with a victory. While PSG is missing some key contributors on the attack, the players that Real Madrid is missing form important parts of their defense, which means that PSG should still be able to get some cracks at the net. If you like PSG, you see home field advantage as a significant factor in this match, as well as the differences in position for the important missing players for both teams.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The last time these two teams faced off in the Champions League, Real Madrid won 5-2 over two legs. However, PSG looks in better form right now, on the basis of their league play, while Real Madrid is still finding the best way to integrate Eden Hazard into the offense. With the number of significant role players that Real Madrid will be missing on defense, PSG should be able to score, even with top attackers on the shelf. I predict a final score of PSG 2, Real Madrid 1, as PSG will take advantage of enough crucial defensive mistakes to outscore the visitors.