At the end of the UEFA Champions League group stage, PSG was the second-placed team in Group F, right behind Borussia Dortmund, and Real Sociedad managed to end up leading Group D.Â
Real Sociedad managed to finish with an undefeated run after facing Inter, Benfica, and Salzburg, with three wins and three draws in total, and PSG did go through the gutter, ending with two wins, two draws, and two losses on what we all considered the group of death.
Even though PSG’s numbers do not look so good on paper, the level of competition in its group showcases that they are ready to push forth in the round of 16th, so we will be eager to see how this first leg unfolds.
When:Â
Wednesday, February 14, 3:00 pm ET at the Parc des Princes
Moneyline odds:Â
PSG 1.685Â
Real Sociedad 5.34
Draw Offs:Â
4.26
Where Can I Watch it?Â
CBS and Paramount+
Why Bet on PSG?
PSG have consistently made it this far, into the group of 16, although they have been eliminated at this stage in five out of their last seven campaigns.
Luis Enrique’s men finished second in the opening phase, collecting eight points in Group F to edge out AC Milan on a head-to-head record and finish runners-up to Borussia Dortmund.
The Parisians have also proved tough to beat under the tutelage of Luis Enrique, losing just three of their 29 matches in all competitions through 2023/24.Â
They’ve only failed to win three of their previous 11 UCL home games at the Parc des Princes too, with Enrique insisting on a possession-based approach that has helped the side to control matches in front of their fans.
Why Bet on Real Sociedad?
The Spanish club has not featured in the round of 16 since 2003/04, the first season the stage was introduced.
They progressed as Group D winners, holding off last season’s runners-up Inter Milan, courtesy of a goalless draw at San Siro on matchday six after the teams had finished unbeaten and level on 12 points.
Imanol Alguacil’s Sociedad side is also technically adept and averaged 56.0% possession across their six Group D matches, so this will be an open game in which both sides will look to get on the ball and create chances.
Final Betting Analysis: PSG vs. Real Sociedad
This is the sides’ first meeting in history, as neither has a particularly rich history in the Cup of Europe.
PSG undoubtedly boasts superior firepower, with star forward Kylian Mbappe having already scored 29 goals in 28 appearances (and three in six UCL outings) in 2023/24.Â
In addition, Winger Ousmane Dembele has recorded 5.23 shot-creating actions per 90 in the Champions League. So, we expect the home side to carve out the best opportunities and secure a narrow lead in the first leg.
The match should be quite interesting and contested, and we believe both teams will score, but PSG will edge out the victory with a 2-1.
Go for a victory for the locals at 1.685. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $68.5 for a total payout of $168.5