PSG’s pursuit of a first Champions League title takes center stage as they host Real Sociedad in the first leg on Wednesday night, while Lazio plays host to wounded Bayern Munich. Here’s a preview of tonight’s action. |
PSG vs Real Sociedad
PSG was fortunate to make it into the knockout stage, having failed to record a win in their last three group stage clashes. Still, the Parisians’ eight-point tally was enough to see them finish second behind Borussia Dortmund in a tightly contested Group F, which was decided on Matchday six. Luis Enrique’s men have steadily improved since then, racing to a 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They are yet to taste defeat in 13 matches at home, a record they may look to continue against their Spanish opponents.
Star forward Kylian Mbappe is set to return to the starting XI after being rested in the 3-1 win over title contenders Lille.
The Spaniards were one of the surprise packages in the group stages, finishing first ahead of last year’s finalists Inter Milan. Accumulating 12 points and maintaining an undefeated run in the group stage is a proud achievement for a side competing at this level for the first time in its history. Real Sociedad has endured a frustrating start to 2024, failing to win any of their previous four encounters in all competitions. The 1-0 loss at home against Osasuna over the weekend represented another flat performance from the Spanish outfit, who have failed to find the net in four previous games.
Key attacker Mikel Oyarzabal is a doubt for the match, having missed the last two games due to a knee injury.
PSG has scored over 1.5 goals in 14 of their last 15 home fixtures across all competitions. With the visitors suffering a blip in form on both ends of the pitch, PSG should sense an opportunity to destroy their opponents. I am backing the French side to dominate and find the back of the net with ease.
Prediction: PSG & Over 2.5
Lazio vs Bayern Munchen
The Champions League last 16 ties are underway, with Lazio and Bayern Munich on the menu in the last knockout rounds of the week. The Serie A side aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years, while the Germans have made it to the last eight in the three previous years.
The Italian side is in the midst of a domestic wobble, slumping to eighth place in Serie A following a three-game winless run. They qualified for the knockouts after finishing second in Group E behind Atletico Madrid. Lazio’s previous entry to the last 16 ended in a disastrous fashion, losing 6-2 on aggregate to Bayern in 2021. The Bavarians scored four goals at Stadio Olimpico before securing a 2-1 win at Allianz Arena.
Bayern has a near-perfect record in the last 16, progressing in 11 of their previous 12 attempts at this stage. The last time Bayern missed out on the quarterfinals was four years ago when they were eliminated by eventual champions Liverpool. Thomas Tuchel’s side easily progressed to the knockout stage, establishing an eight-point lead at the top. They recorded five wins and a draw to finish on 16 points.
Bayern’s recent 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen has caused panic among the club’s hierarchy and the fanbase, with the club trailing by five points in the title race. This was the club’s third defeat in 16 games across all formats.
Four of Bayern’s group stage matches resulted in over 2.5 goals. Meanwhile, Lazio scored in all their home fixtures in the round-robin phase. The previous two meetings between the clubs produced three goals or more. I am expecting goals from both teams in this tie. I am giving Lazio the courtesy of home advantage; they will find the net here. But Bayern will narrowly edge it.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score
