2023-12-18 16:13:26
Paris Saint-Germain could expect heavy lifting, but was spared. Qualified at the last minute for the round of 16 of the Champions League thanks to their draw at Borussia Dortmund last Wednesday, the Parisians will face Real Sociedad. A great opportunity on paper for the Rouge et Bleu, who have not shone, especially away from home, since the start of this European campaign.
Everything could even have stopped this Wednesday in the Ruhr. Hooked by an already qualified Dortmund team, the Parisians would have been eliminated from the competition in the event of Newcastle’s victory against AC Milan. Thanks in particular to a great Mike Maignan, the Milanese finally won and opened the way for Luis Enrique’s men, who therefore continue the adventure.
Second behind the Germans, the Parisians knew they could face a big challenge in the round of 16. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City or Arsenal and Atletico Madrid were possible opponents. Ultimately, it is the team that seems the most affordable, Real Sociedad, a surprise guest at this stage of the competition, that they will face.
Real Sociedad finished ahead of Inter Milan in the group
The knockout phase, which begins on February 13, rarely succeeds at Paris Saint-Germain. Eliminated by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich during the round of 16 of the last two editions, the Parisians, finalists of the event in 2020 in a modified format due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this time have a great opportunity to pass this pitfall. The two teams have never faced each other in the QSI era.
The first leg will take place at the Parc des Princes, the return match at Anoeta. Real Sociedad, currently sixth in La Liga, has not reached this stage in the Champions League for 20 years. Fourth in the championship last season, they qualified for the round of 16 by finishing in first position in Group D ahead of Inter Milan, Benfica and RB Salzburg.
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