Champions League: Real Madrid and PSG set to recommence battle at the Bernabeu

Little to choose between teams

European heavyweights Real Madrid and PSG meet on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu, in a finely-poised last-16 Champions League clash.

PSG arrive in Madrid with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Kylian Mbappe’s added-time winner last month.

However, the pendulum may have swung towards the Spanish side since then given the disparity in the teams’ form, magnified by Mbappe’s possible absence through injury.

There is little to choose between the teams which is reflected in Real at 2.5 for the win on the night and the visitors at 2.72.

Mbappe injury news appears pivotal

Mbappe has been in scorching form this season with 19 goals in all competitions – as well as five for France - that has seen him heavily linked with a move to the visitors.

The 23-year-old struck with a brilliant finish following a backheel to send the Parc des Princes wild in the first leg after a frustrating night during which Lionel Messi missed a penalty.

Mbappe has been instrumental in PSG becoming runaway leaders in the domestic league, but on Monday he sustained an injury to his left foot in training.

Hospital tests showed there was no serious damage with the club describing results as “reassuring” although they confirmed Sergio Ramos and Ander Herrera would miss out.

Were Mbappe to be ruled out, it would be a huge blow for PSG and one that may well be pivotal.

With no definitive decision, he is at 2.38 to score anytime with Lionel Messi 2.62 to add to his five Champions League goals this season.

Mbappe was suspended for PSG’s last match which saw them lose 1-0 at Nice as they went down to their second straight away defeat, following a 3-1 reverse at Nantes.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are at 1.35 to qualify with a draw enough to send them through at 3.6.

PSG's Lionel Messi will be hoping to overcome his old rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday night

Benzema on 20 goals once more

Real, bidding to win their 13th European title, go into the tie on the back of three straight league wins. They came from a goal down to beat Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday to go eight points clear at the top of La Liga.

Karim Benzema was on the scoresheet and the league’s top scorer has now got 20 goals for the fourth straight season, with 20 in 24 games as well as five in the Champions League.

He is at 2.12 to score anytime while Vinicius Junior is at 2.96 to rediscover his striking form.

They will be confident of overturning the deficit – especially if Mbappe was to be ruled out - and are at 3.15 to qualify. 

It is set to be a fascinating tussle with both sides possessing quality and experience in abundance.

Both teams to score and PSG to win is at 3.15 but given Real’s form and the possible absence of Mbappe on whom the opposition are so reliant, the hosts to win to nil at 4.6 is eye-catching.

Recommended bets

Real qualify @ 3.15

Real win to nil @ 4.6

Mbappe anytime @ 2.38