We’re into the second legs of the Champions League ties from the Round of 16, and we’re back with our predictions as Real Sociedad and Real Madrid look to find a way through.
Real Sociedad v Paris Saint-Germain (0-2 on aggregate)
Feargal Brennan: La Real don’t quite have a mountain to climb in the second leg but Bradley Barcola’s second goal in Paris hit them hard. Imanol Alguacil rested his big hitters for weekend loss to Sevilla and the hosts will go for it in Donostia-San Sebastian.
This match up was my original pick for shock in the last 16 but it feels just beyond Alguacil’s team now. They should give PSG a scare again, but Kylian Mbappe and co. should edge through.
Result: Real Sociedad 2-1 PSG
John Menzies: It’s been a poor run for Real Sociedad, but this game should act as a catalyst to bring their A-game in front of a fired up Reale Arena. I can see them really troubling the French champions, but I don’t think it will be enough to overturn the first leg deficit.
Result: Real Sociedad 2-1 PSG
Ruairidh Barlow: As Imanol Alguacil was at pains to point out, during the first leg Real Sociedad were better for an hour, but ultimately didn’t score any goals. This time round I think they will get one, and I’ve no doubt the first hour will be a problem for PSG again.
But pressing a team like PSG for 90 minutes, and guarding against Kylian Mbappe, is a step beyond them for me. Luis Enrique will send his side out to score goals too, and while La Real will give them problems, PSG will punish that space in behind them.
Result: Real Sociedad 2-2 PSG
Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig (1-0 on aggregate)
FB: Carlo Ancelotti can’t fully click into Champions League sole focused mode yet this season. As Barcelona drew in Bilbao, the La Liga title firmly remains Real Madrid’s to lose.
This contest is less secure than some are predicting with Brahim Diaz’s superb first leg winner the divider. Ancelotti will resist the urge to tinker too much and the ruthless experience of his squad will not allow a slip.
Result: Real Madrid 2-0 RB Leipzig
JM: Los Blancos are certainly going through their most difficult spell of the season in terms of form, but things are still fine, especially now that Jude Bellingham is back. They should have more than enough to see off RB Leipzig, who have been in better form domestically of late.
Result: Real Madrid 3-1 RB Leizpig
RB: This has all the makings of a fun game, if you’re not an RB Leipzig fan. Los Blancos have a habit of being a little too relaxed when they come into Europe with a lead at home, but rarely do they allow themselves to be caught. You’d almost say they need the adrenaline.
All the same, Leipzig might be better, but they can expect a better Real Madrid than they found in Germany too. When things get desperate at the end, don’t be surprised if whichever one of Rodrygo Goes or Brahim Diaz is on to try and vindicate their place in the side, with a bit more space to work with. Jude Bellingham will also be suspended this weekend, so he’s off the leash. Leipzig have enough to hurt Los Blancos, but Real Madrid have plenty in reserve to kill off the underdogs.
Result: Real Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig
