Real Sociedad will have to script an incredible comeback against PSG if they want to make it past the Round of 16.
PSG are all set to hit the road to square up against Real Sociedad in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. Les Parisiens have a 2-0 lead heading into this fixture, and avoiding a defeat will easily get them the ticket to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, La Real will have to pull off one of the biggest comebacks if they want to get to the next round. They are aware of the opposition’s strengths and the fact that it will not be easy by any means. However, they do have the home support behind them heading into this one.
In the first leg at the Parc des Princes, PSG scored twice in the second half and completed an easy 2-0 win. They had more of the ball and created a lot of changes before eventually converting twice. Now, they have a cushion heading into the second leg but one will still expect the French giants to push and attack for more goals.
Real Sociedad had a tough night away from home in the first leg. They had limited possession, and things were not clicking for them. While they did take nine shots on goal, none of them were on target. It was a rough night, and they are now expected to all of sudden score twice to level things up and three to go through and stop one of the most potent attacks in Europe from scoring.
It is going to be an incredibly difficult task but we have seen the impossible happen, and that is what Real Sociedad fans will be praying for. For now, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Real Sociedad
The home team will be without the services of Martin Merquelanz, Alvaro Odriozola, Aihen Munoz and Carlos Fernandez. Meanwhile, Ander Barrenetxea could be back in time for this fixture.
Real Sociedad do have a boost as Aritz Elustondo is back available having served his suspension in the first leg. Imanol Alguacil had rotated his team in their 3-2 defeat against Sevilla in their last outing. He had rested his key players and will now look to revert to the preferred XI.
They will go ahead with the 4-3-3 formation, where Alex Remiro will be in goal. Hamari Traore and Javi Galan will feature in the full-back roles, while Igor Zubeldia and Robin Le Normand will take charge in the heart of the defence.
The back four will have to ensure they keep things tight at the back and do not let PSG add to their 2-0 lead. Martin Zubimendi will be the defensive midfielder. He will look to shield the backline and control the tempo of the game with the help of Mikel Merino and Brais Mendez who will feature alongside him in the centre of the park.
In attack, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal will provide the width. They will start on the flanks and will look to create opportunities for their striker André Silva.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Silva, Oyarzabal
Paris Saint-Germain
The visitors will be without the services of Milan Skriniar, Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa, Danilo Pereira, and Presnel Kimpembe for this fixture.
Meanwhile, Marco Asensio is unlikely to be available for this fixture after getting subbed off because of thigh concern in the first half of their last outing. But, they do have a boost as Marquinhos will be back in the mix after being rested last time out.
Kylian Mbappe has been subbed off on multiple occasions in the recent past as PSG prepare for life without the French international. But, it will still be a surprise to not see him start a Champions League fixture.
PSG will also line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in goal. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will be the full-backs. In the heart of the defence, Marquinhos will start alongside Lucas Hernandez.
Hakimi and Mendes will look to join the attack and use their pace to cause problems for the home team, while the centre-back pairing will have the support of Manuel Ugarte who will feature as the defensive midfielder. Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha will be in support of Ugarte.
In attack, with Asensio out, Bradley Barcola will take charge on the left flank, while Ousmane Dembele will feature on the right. Kylian Mbappe should be leading the line but just in case they decide to bench him, Randal Kolo Muani could be deployed up top.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernandez, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola
Key Stats
- Real Sociedad have only won one out of their last five matches in all competitions, they have lost three of those.
- PSG have not lost in their last 20 outings in all competitions.
- The French team are heading into this fixture on the back of two consecutive draws.
- Real Sociedad’s last knockout round appearance came back in 2003-04 when they lost to PSG’s league rivals Lyon.
- PSG have not kept a clean sheet against a Spanish club in their last 12 away trips.
Player to Watch
Warren Zaire-Emery
When PSG are in action, the limelight always tends to be on the stars, and 17-year-old sensation Zaire-Emery does not really get the attention that he deserves. The teenage sensation already has 60 first-team appearances and of late, he has become an integral part of their first team.
The youngster is expected to start in the second leg, and he will look to add to his tally of three goals and six assists. While he has been used in multiple positions this term, he will feature in his natural midfield position and could end up being the difference maker.
Prediction
Real Sociedad 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain
Sociedad will surely put up a fight against PSG in the second leg but they might not have enough in their tanks to script an incredible comeback where they come back from 2 goals down and stop PSG from finding the back of the net.
Meanwhile, the French club has too many quality players in their ranks and they should not be troubled after having done the hard work on their own home turf. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for PSG and they go through with the aggregate scoreline of 4-1.