PSG vs Real Madrid
Expect a crazy game in the Kylian Mbappe derby
The Club World Cup has thrown up a fascinating semi-final clash between PSG and Real Madrid. Many anticipated that this match would be the final; however, only one of these two teams will reach the showpiece event at the MetLife Stadium.
PSG booked their place in the final four by easing past Bayern. The Parisiens weren’t without their issues as they were reduced to nine men; however, they still managed to see out the victory and even doubled their lead with a two-man disadvantage.
They showed fantastic defensive solidity, and although they will be missing a couple of players, including Lucas Hernández, they have plenty of strength in depth, and Luis Enrique won’t mind rotating his squad. The return of Ousmane Dembele was a significant boost, and they will be hoping that Gianluigi Donnarumma can pull another outstanding performance out of the bag.
Real Madrid were involved in a crazy game which exploded in the second half. They will also have to deal with a suspension, as Dean Huijsen will be forced to sit this one out following his late dismissal. Los Blancos aren’t having any issues finding the back of the net, and Kylian Mbappe will be determined to find the net against his former employers; however, they look a little suspect at the back. With the likes of Dembele, Doue and Kvaratskhelia in full flow, they could struggle to keep their opponents at arm’s length.
One notable feature of Xabi Alonso’s teams is their ability to fight until the end, and his Leverkusen scored an abnormal number of goals in stoppage time. If this one reached the mid-way point of the second half, it could easily explode into life at the drop of a hat.
It’s hard to predict the winner of this contest, and it could go either way. PSG are the favourites, but they are missing defensive reinforcements and write Real Madrid off at your peril!
Backing goals is probably the best way to go, and with Donnarumma unlikely to replicate his display from Saturday night, we’re going to predict a crazy 90 minutes.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.