Tuesday November 3, 2015 19:45pm – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
The Group A action continues at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night when Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain square up once again for a second consecutive football Champions League clash.
Rafa ignoring critics
The 10-time European champions have yet to lose a game or concede a goal in this year’s Champions League competition but Coach Rafa Benitez has still been criticised in some quarters for his tactical approach. The vastly experienced trainer was happy for his team to play out a goalless draw in the last game against PSG citing a need to steer his injury-ravaged squad safely into the knockout stages while maintaining supremacy on the domestic front.
His pragmatic approach has pleased club President Florentino Perez but it is often lost on certain sections of the media and indeed the Madrid faithful. However, as the season progresses, the methods of the former Liverpool boss seem to paying off and the number of dissenting voices have grown fewer, and the odds off victory have shortened.
The afore-mentioned injury issues have been amplified this week with the news that goal keeper Keylor Navas has joined the sick list. With Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal still out and doubts surrounding the fitness of James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema amongst other, the Blancos boss may be forced to continue using utility players as his best choice in this game.
PSG looking to avoid defeat
Paris Saint-Germain are level on points with their Group A rivals but are top thanks to their superior goal record. Anything other than a defeat on Tuesday, would leave the French champions in a strong position going into the last two games. Even a defeat would still leave their qualification destiny in their own hands.
Laurent Blanc’s men have yet to concede a goal in the group and have not been beaten in a competitive match since they were knocked out of this competition by Barcelona back in April.
The Paris side have injury worries of their own with Marquinhos, Javier Pastore, David Luiz and Presnel Kimpembe all suffering from various ailments.
Recent form (all competitions up to 30 Oct)
Real Madrid: WDWDW
PSG: WWDWW
Prediction
A draw could suit both teams in this game but it would be seen as a much better result for the French side. Both managers have unblemished goals against record in this competition, so it may take something special to break the deadlock.
With such talent on the pitch, you would imagine that it will be a matter of time before something has to give but which way will the result swing?
Madrid have a good record at home against French opposition and despite their injury woes they should just edge this game by a single goal.
Get the best odds today with Bet365.