Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a team that has been on the rise year after year, will face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, a team that has risen to prominence this season. PSG has been known for their solid defense this season, conceding only 2 goals in 6 group games, and 3 consecutive shutouts on the road, keeping their goal tally to 2 or less. PSG is currently relying on Kylian McBarbee's play, and if PSG can strengthen their defense, they may be able to weaken McBarbee's power, and the game is expected to end with a score of 2.5 goals or less. (Now 643 live at 4 a.m. Thursday)
Since the takeover of PSG by a large consortium, the team has always seen winning the UEFA Champions League as a goal, and has progressed to the round of 16 in the last 12 editions of the competition, but has been stopped at this stage for two consecutive editions, being knocked out by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively. This season's PSG were also mediocre in the group stage, trailing Borussia Dortmund by three points and relying only on their record to outclass AC Milan, luckily avoiding many of the traditional giants. However, Real Sociedad's strong rise in the UEFA Europa League this season should not be underestimated. Although McBarbee did not have to play against Lille in the league, PSG relies too much on "Mr. McBarbee", contributing 19 goals, or more than one-third of the team's total, in the league alone. Real Sociedad will need to focus on defending against McBarbee to secure at least a draw, and then look for a breakthrough when they return home for the second leg.
