Real Sociedad will host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League. In the first meeting, the Ligue 1 winners overcame a first-half storm to win by a score of two goals to zero, since their hosts had already suffered one round of elimination.
Preview (Real Sociedad vs. Paris Saint-Germain)
Real Sociedad, semi-finalists of the previous European Cup in 1982–83, was playing in the Champions League knockout stages for just the second time under its current moniker. They had their moments in the first half at the Parc des Princes on Valentine’s Day. Although they were not feeling the love in front of goal. In the French capital, squandering a string of good opportunities in the first half would inevitably prove deadly. In the 58th minute, Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock for Les Parisiens, and shortly after, Bradley Barcola raced past Hamari Traore to complete a brilliant solo run that went through Alex Remiro’s legs at his near post.
Although history does not favor the men in blue and white. They lost 1-0 to PSG’s Ligue 1 rivals Lyon in the first leg of their last-16 tie in 2003–04. It was their only other knockout round appearance since 1992. Although a two-goal deficit is not insurmountable, the men in blue and white are not out of the picture. Real Sociedad is also lacking momentum. After defeating Mallorca 2-1 to bounce back from their first-leg loss, Alguacil’s team has now lost three straight games, most notably a heartbreaking Copa del Rey semifinal penalty shootout loss to Los Piratas.
In Saturday’s La Liga match, a depleted team lost 3-2 to reeling giants Sevilla. As a result, Alguacil’s woeful charges have only won once in their last nine games. They have an alarming seven games without a win at home since they remarkably defeated Sevilla 2-1.
Team News
Important defender Aritz Elustondo, 29, was suspended due to a string of yellow cards. Real Sociedad was unable to use him for the first leg. However, he is now cleared to play in Europe. Elustondo, however, was one of six players who missed the match against Sevilla due to a toe injury. The other players on that list were Ander Barrenetxea (back), Martin Merquelanz (knee), Alvaro Odriozola (ligament), Aihen Munoz (ACL), and Carlos Fernandez (knee), though the latter may be able to play alongside Elustondo on Tuesday.
With the second leg in mind, Alguacil used a heavy rotation for the match against Sevilla over the weekend. By going back to full strength in the middle of the week, all of Mike Merino, Robin Le Normand, Hamari Traore, Mike Oyarzabal, and Takefusa Kubo should be back in the starting lineup. Regarding the visitors, Mbappe was substituted early for Friday night’s second Ligue 1 match. He seemed to be limping a little bit around the Stade Louis II track. Enrique said that the move was solely tactical. The former Barcelona manager emphasized that his team needs to “get used to” playing without the 25-year-old, but it’s unclear if the Spaniard’s ruthless choices can last until the end of the campaign.
Marquinhos, who was out against Monaco because of a calf issue, should also be available for PSG. However, Milan Skriniar (ankle), Sergio Rico (head), Layvin Kurzawa (back), Danilo Pereira (thigh), and Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles) won’t be playing. Furthermore, Marco Asensio’s race against Monaco ended after just 39 minutes since it seemed like the former Real Madrid player injured his thigh. As a result, Barcola, the team’s top scorer from the first leg, may now rejoin the team.
Real Sociedad 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain
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