If there is one team that is rarely spared when the draw for the knockout stages of the Champions League arrives, it is Paris Saint-Germain. Over the last nine years, the capital club, whether it finished first or second in the group, has often pulled heavy. Since 2015, he has had to battle with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid (twice), FC Barcelona (twice), Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Chelsea (twice).
This year, after finishing second in Group F, the Rouge et Bleu could once again fear the worst. Kylian Mbappé’s sulking face after the draw in Dortmund is the ultimate proof. But for once, Paris was lucky. Without wanting to offend the Basques, the French champions did well by inheriting Real Sociedad. An opponent well within their reach, even if the Parisians know that the partners of Franco-Spanish Robin Le Normand dominated two semi-finalists from last season, Inter and Benfica, during the group stage.
Paris is wary
“Real Sociedad is a fantastic club that we respect a lot. They have a great team who finished first in the group, and a great president who is doing a fantastic job. We are looking forward to the matches in Paris and San Sebastián, which will be great moments.”declared Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, imitated a few moments earlier by Marquinhos. “Already, Real Sociedad is an opponent who is in a very good period. They had such a tough group stage with good opponents. And they finished first. I think it shows their value, it shows how we have to prepare to be in shape for that match. And I think that between now and that meeting, a lot of things are going to happen. Our team is growing and working well, evolving. And we will be ready to face this Real Sociedad team when it happens.”declared the Brazilian on the official PSG website, before concluding.
“He is an opponent that we have not yet encountered in this European course and for me it is the first time. With all the information we have, I hear that it is a beautiful stadium, with a good atmosphere. I think the supporters will like this trip. The most important thing is really to perform well and achieve a good result. We are going to have two matches and two very important matches which will be like finals for us. And it will be very important to arrive in good shape at that time. » The appointment is made.
