Paris Saint-Germain will knock out Real Madrid from the UEAFA Champions League. I made this prediction in December at the end of the draw for the knockout stages. And as weeks came and went since, both teams have reinforced my position: PSG crushes everything in its path, while Real Madrid is in a funk. When I had predicted the elimination of Madrid, my friends would tell me to quit it with the jokes. Today, I see that they are changing little by little.
PSG is one of the best teams in Europe. As a supporter of Olympique Marseille, it hurts me to admit it, but it’s the truth. Today, I will explain why Real Madrid will bow to PSG in this year’s round of 16.
- La Remontada:
Last year, the Parisians were humiliated by FC Barcelona. Believing that their qualification was acquired after a convincing win in the first leg and a crucial away goal in the return match, they relaxed and dropped their concentration. Barça had the opportunity to score three goals in the last quarter of an hour. While that UCL exit was undoubtedly, I’m sure it will be beneficial in the long run. I think that the PSG players have learned their lesson.This year, the group is more experienced and will not make the same mistakes as last season. - MCN is better than BBC:
The attacking trident of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano (aka the BBC) is no longer so fearsome. The three players are no longer in their prime and (results show that) Real Madrid is suffering. As for the MCN (Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani and Neymar), they are electric. Mbappé is fast, Cavani scores with every breath and Neymar is the best player in the world (after Messi). - Zidane the Coach:
I adored him as a player, and I appreciate his humble nature, but his coaching hasn’t convinced me. Up till now, I wouldn’t dare criticize him publicly because he was winning titles. Since the wheel has clearly turned, I can afford to question some of his tactical choices. If I meet Zidane, the first question I would ask him is, “Why do you always get the BBC playing when you have some very interesting alternatives on the sideline?” Currently, Real Madrid isn’t faring well. The club is in fourth position in La Liga. Will Zidane get the train back on track? I doubt it. - Toni Kroos is overrated:
Toni Kroos is a good player, but he’s the weak link in the Meringues’ midfield. He doesn’t defend enough and his offensive contribution is limited to spot kicks. Against the Parisians and their superior midfielders, he ought to raise his level of play because in these kind of clashes, the team that wins the battle in the middle of the park wins the match. - Marcelo, one of the main offensive assets of the Real, will be forced to defend:
The Madrid leftback has his work cut out with Kylian Mbappé AND Dani Alves! Poor Marcelo - Sergio Ramos will lose his temper (as usual) and collect cards:
The PSG attack is a well-oiled machine. Sergio will definitely lose his cool. - The return match will be in Paris
In 1995, the Houston Rockets won a second straight title after a chaotic season. As they were celebrating, the coach Rudy Tomjanovich cemented his place in the annals of sports when he proclaimed, “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion!”
Even if I am quite confident in PSG’s chances, it would be a mistake to discard the defending champion here . We all know that this is a team that is able to show up for the major games. Real Madrid has numerous world-class players in its ranks that can take over and decide the match. The matches between these two titans will be tight, but I’m still sticking with the eventual qualification of the PSG.
The first meeting will take place on February 14th. BBC vs. MCN. It will be enjoyable! We can’t wait!
Editor’s Note:
The original opinion piece can be found on ‘Un lion parmi les hommes‘
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