UEFA Champions League: High flying Real Madrid will take on in-form Paris Saint Germain in the biggest clash of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Despite Real Madrid’s decent form which has helped them remain at the summit in La Liga, former England international David James feels that Paris Saint Germain will start as favourites in this high voltage clash. Follow all the UEFA Champions League LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
James lauded Los Blancos for their pedigree in the Champions League and feels that it will be a tight game. But he feels that PSG are a special team and their recent improvement on the defensive side of things makes them the favourites against Real Madrid.
"It's a very special game"
Parisians, current and former, talk about the long-awaited clash between the capital club and Real Madrid ✊#PSGRM pic.twitter.com/VSUMfz0oNb
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 15, 2022
“At their best PSG will win this game but Real Madrid with all their experience have been in this position far too many times. The last couple of years they have not been successful but they will make a game out of it. PSG have improved a lot defensively from what they were last year. This year seems like Pochettino (Mauricio) has got the defensive side of their game so much better, domestically atleast,” opined David James at a media interaction held by Sony Sports Network.
“They (PSG) will cause difficulties for Real Madrid. If Messi can be at his best, Mbappe at his best and also with Neymar, I would say it is a done deal for PSG,” the former English custodian continued.
While he favours Paris Saint Germain to come out victorious from this clash, he is in no way telling people to take Real Madrid lightly. James understands the threat of facing the 13-time Champions League winners and gives them their due credit. But overall he feels that the French giants have more quality in their roster with multiple players having the capability to score goals and take the game away from Los Blancos
“We are talking about a side named Real Madrid so they will have their threats irrespective of who they play, irrespective of whether their oppositions drop back or not. But PSG can win this tie because they are special but at the same time it is not to say that Real Madrid are not a good side. They are currently top of the La Liga and obviously in the Round of 16. So They have the capability of scoring goals that goes without question. But with PSG you would know that there are multiple players more than capable of scoring goals,” he added.
“So even if Real Madrid score which will be tough as PSG have conceded one goal in last five matches, PSG have the personnel to score more. So if PSG ends up winning say 3-2, I won’t be surprised. I just think PSG have got a better quality squad,” David James concluded by giving out his prediction for the tie.
Overall it will be a high voltage clash with both sides ready to take the attack to the opposition. Unfortunately for PSG, they will miss Sergio Ramos. The veteran Spanish defender had a great opportunity to feature against his former team but he won’t be taking part due to injury. But the Parisians will see the comeback of Neymar Jr. in this clash as the Brazilian is all set to play a big role against Real Madrid.
Telecast
Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Round 16 – 1st Leg): Paris vs Real Madrid – LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on February 16, 2022, from 1:30 am IST.
Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Round 16 – 1st Leg): Sporting CP vs Man City – LIVE on SONY TEN 1 (English) channels on February 16, 2022, from 1:30 am IST.
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