PSG vs Real Sociedad
UEFA Champions League
Round of 16
Wednesday
14th February 2024
Parc des Princes
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League fixture between PSG and Real Sociedad.
PSG vs Real Sociedad: Preview
PSG form analysis
Les Parisiens endured a mixed group stage campaign, struggling for consistency. They began with a disappointing 1-4 home thrashing against exciting Newcastle, with Hernández netting a late consolation after early goals from Almirón, Burn and Longstaff. Seeking an immediate reaction, PSG bounced back with an impressive 3-0 home win over Milan thanks to Mbappé, new signing Kolo Muani and young Korean star Kang-in on target. However, old frailties quickly resurfaced as they lost 2-1 away to Milan in their next European match despite Škriniar putting them ahead early on.
Needing a result to progress, PSG kept their hopes alive by fighting back to draw 1-1 at home against Newcastle, with Mbappé converting a late penalty to cancel out Isak’s opener. In the final game, PSG secured qualification but failed to win again, held 1-1 away at Dortmund as youngster Zaïre-Emery cancelled out Adeyemi’s opener. While their quality has shone in patches, PSG have looked shakier defensively than expected and failed to kill off matches when in control. They’ll need to address these inconsistencies to make a serious title challenge. Topping a difficult group with room to improve bodes well, but tougher tests await if they are to achieve their European ambitions.
Real Sociedad form analysis
Real Sociedad enjoyed an excellent Champions League group stage campaign. They made a start by winning 0-2 away at highly rated Salzburg thanks to goals from captain Oyarzabal and Méndez. La Real continued their beginning by grinding out another 1-0 away victory against Portuguese giants Benfica courtesy of another Méndez strike. Building confidence, Sociedad then recorded their most impressive display by destroying Benfica 3-1 at home as Merino, Oyarzabal and Barrenetxea put the visitors to the sword, despite Rafa pulling one back.
However, their momentum stalled after back-to-back goalless draws at home to Salzburg and away to Inter Milan meant they narrowly missed out on topping the group. Nevertheless, it was a mighty performance from manager Imanol Alguacil’s well-drilled outfit, built on defensive solidarity and clinical finishing, which sets them up nicely for the knockout stage.
PSG vs Real Sociedad: Prediction
The Parisians have lost just once at home in their last eleven home UCL games. They should do poorly to let the visitors who have just a win in their last four away UCL fixtures to get away with the lead.
Not once have Real Sociedad managed to register a clean sheet in the knockout stages of the CL. A rather high scoring game should be expected when the average goals in the last five UCL games at this venue is 3.66.
