Paris Saint-Germain will face Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Champions League. This was decided by the draw carried out on Monday. The current 6th in Liga seems well within the reach of the Parisians who have avoided opponents of a completely different caliber. At least on paper…
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PSG was hot. The French club inherited Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Champions League, during the draw organized in Nyon, Switzerland, Monday December 18. The prospect of facing a European big name like Bayern Munich or Manchester City, after finishing second in their group following a very sluggish group stage, gave fans of the capital club a cold sweat.
Finally, Luis Enrique’s men will face the Basque team, described by specialists as the weakest in hat 1 on paper.
PSG will certainly have to travel to the return match (March 5, 6, 12 or 13, first leg on February 13, 14, 20 or 21) to play against an opponent who has so far shone with his defensive strength (best defense in the group stage). ) and still finished ahead of Inter Milan in Pool D. But the task is well within the reach of Kylian Mbappé’s teammates, eliminated at this stage of the competition the two previous seasons and who can thus reasonably hope to join the continental top 8.
Even if the Parisian leaders affirm that the current exercise is that of reconstruction and that the “Big Ears Cup” is not one of the priority objectives after the departures of major elements (Lionel Messi, Neymar, Marco Verratti… ), a completely overhauled squad and the arrival of a new coach (Luis Enrique), the pressure will however be on the shoulders of the last French representative in C1 and an exit against Real Sociedad would be very bad. .
An undefeated club in C1 this season
Surprise team of the group stage with FC Copenhagen and currently attractive 6th in Liga, the San Sebastian club has a decent squad – the majority of which are trained at the club – but also some renowned players (Mikel Merino , Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Oyarzabal). The Japanese will-o’-the-wisp Takefusa Kubo, who is wreaking havoc on his right side in the championship, will be the player to particularly watch out for on the Basque side.
“Real Sociedad are in a very good period. They had such a difficult group stage with good opponents. And they finished first. I think that shows their value, it shows how we have to prepare to be in good shape for this match,” declared Parisian captain Marquinhos.
Suspicious, but confident, because the Brazilian international perhaps knows that Real, undefeated in C1 this season, has only lost three matches in the league: against Real Madrid, Atletico and Barça. Each time, with only one small goal difference.
With AFP