PSG vs Real Madrid: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview
It's the match we've all been waiting for, but were robbed of in the recently concluded UEFA Champions League. Looking at each other across the gunpoint for a while now, PSG and Real Madrid will go head to head at the all-European blockbuster match at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The prize? Finals of the inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup and a chance to etch their name in the annals of history.
Historical PSG
If their Wednesday opponents have a royal history to brag about, PSG are in the process of making their own. Les Parisiens happen to be doing an excellent job of it, by lifting their first Champions League trophy and breezing past opposition towards another cup glory.
PSG have been the most dominant force in the tournament, boasting the most authoritative goal difference of any side remaining in the tour. Luis Enrique's men are 12:1 this campaign, and the scary part is that their talisman, Ousman Dembele, is only now back to full fitness.
On the road to the top 4, PSG sent Atletico Madrid home early in the group stage, before putting four past Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and overpowering Bayern Munich 2:0 with nine men in the field. They are ready for the next step.
PSG Injury & Suspension News
William Pacho received a straight red against Bayern and is suspended for the Real Madrid game. His teammate, Lucas Hernandez, was also sent off and will sit this one out.
Real Madrid Royalty
The next step for PSG would be to take the crown directly from the kings of European football, the club with the record five Club World Cups in its trophy cabinet. And the king is unwilling to part with the crown just yet, now with the new boss at the helm.
As they've done time and again, Real Madrid saved their best football for the last. Not as convincing during the group stage, Xabi Alonso's side nevertheless steamrolled opposition in the knockouts, beating Juventus and Dortmund four-nil combined.
It's the manner in which they won. Emphatic. Assertive. Imperial. With talented breakouts (Garcia) and promising newcomers (Trent Alexander-Arnold). And just like his International teammate on the other side, Kyllian Mbappe is back in action after missing the opening games of the tour and is licking his lips for more goals.
Real Madrid Injury & Suspension News
Impressive summer signing Dean Huijsen is set to miss the semi-finals due to suspension. Eder Militao is on the bench, but probably won't be rushed back after the injury that kept him out of action for most of the season. Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick remain unavailable.
PSG vs Real Madrid Prediction
Whatever potion Luis Enrique cooked for his team, it's working. Paris Saint-Germain are too good at the moment, and I don't see anyone facing them for 90 minutes in a match that matters and coming away with their heads held high.
That said, this is Los Blancos we're talking about. Real Madrid have a chip on their shoulders, aching to demonstrate that they are still Europe's top dog.
I'd be more willing to call it splits and back both teams to score instead. The absence of Pacho on one side and Huijsen on the other opens a tantalizing space for attackers on both ends of the turf. Yes, I’m looking at you, Khvicha and Vini.
CryptoGamba tip: Both teams to score – 1.50 @BC.Game
Milos is a sports betting professional whose special skill involves sitting through countless hours of football fixtures. He entered the sports betting arena in 2017 and hasn't looked back since. He is that guy who gets stopped and asked for a handy betting tip or two. As an in-house betting expert for CryptoGamba, Milos takes much pride when results go the way he called them while always finding a fitting excuse when they don't.