Champions League predictions: Real Sociedade face PSG and Real Madrid travel to RB Leipzig
The Champions League returns this week, with the perennial threat of Real Madrid returning to European action after an emphatic thrashing of Girona, which many are calling the end of the La Liga title race. Meanwhile Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping that Luis Enrique is the one who can turn their fortunes around in Europe, but they will face a tricky Real Sociedad in their first knockout. Here's how we think the first legs will play out.
RB Leipzig v Real Madrid – Red Bull Arena Leipzig
Tuesday 13/02/24 – 21:00 CEST
Brennan's anger: Real Madrid looks set to partially change tracks in the race after opening up a five-point lead in the La Liga title. Although Carlo Ancelotti won't admit it, he knows he can share the resources and keep some extra freshness for Europe. No Jude Bellingham is a problem, but RB Leipzig don't seem to have the engine room to capitalize, and their form has declined. Lois Openda will be one to watch against a hanging Los Blancos defence. But, Ancelotti will be confident of bringing a first leg leader back to Madrid.
Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 0-2 Real Madrid
John Menzies: Real Madrid will have their chance for a 15th European Cup/Champions League, and they will certainly be one of the favourites. Jude Bellingham will be a big miss for Carlo Ancelotti, but they have more than enough firepower to break down the Bundesliga side's defence.
Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-3 Real Madrid
Roderick Barlow: Real Madrid will certainly be at a high level after their match at Girona, but it is also true that they were superb in that match – expecting them to return to that level three days later is a lot. They play a Leipzig side that have traditionally given them problems in the past, but their lack of solidity at the back will be exploited. The absence of Jude Bellingham robs the Whites of some of their goal threat, and so will still be in play in the second leg.
Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-2 Real Madrid
For more on the team's pre-match news, click here.
Paris Saint-Germain v Real Sociedad – Parc des Princes
Wednesday 14/02/24 – 21:00 CEST
FB: Real society are more than capable of continuing Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League woes, although their inability to score goals in recent years could cost the French champions, especially with Kylian Mbappe returning from injury. Imanol Alguacil will hope to keep it tight in Paris before the return leg at the Reale Arena.
Score Prediction: PSG 1-0 Real Sociedad
JM: PSG are looking to defend their Ligue 1 title, but their Champions League question marks remain. After scraping through the group stages they face a well-trained La Real who are missing some key players. If Mikel Oyarzabal misses out, Imanol Alguacil will adjust his squad, but a return leg in San Sebatian could see a shock.
Score Prediction: PSG 1-1 Real Sociedad
RB: Valentine's Day in the city of love for Real Sociedad, but the Txuri-Urdin could remember the painful side of the romance against PSG. If this match had taken place in November, Real would have had a chance to take a win, but Luis Enrique has had a few more months to make the game and adjust his PSG, while Imanol Alguacil is furiously trying to work his way of his usual new year dip. Real are not solid, nor do they score regularly, but they are well trained. PSG to take an advantage at Donostia-San Sebastian.
Score Prediction: PSG 2-0 Real Sociedad
Keep all the latest updates on the matches before, during and after on Football España, and on our X feed.
