I’m really hoping we get a top-quality semi-final today between PSG and Real Madrid — both teams are strong enough to be in the final, no doubt about that. PSG are coming in with an impressive run of wins, and even managed to beat Bayern while playing with ten men. I’ve been impressed with how Luis Enrique has set up the defense, though suspensions could cause serious problems this time. It’ll be interesting to see how they cope without some key defenders.
Real look good too, but they often play on edge — just look at the Borussia game, where they nearly threw away a two-goal lead. Their attack is always dangerous, but I’ve got concerns about their shaky defense. Injuries and suspensions, just like with PSG, are forcing Alonso to improvise at the back.
I think the little things will decide this one — who handles the pressure better, who’s more clinical when it matters. Personally, I’m backing PSG to stay composed and show their character to reach the final.
This match should have been in the final, not the semi-final. In my opinion, it was an early final that left many observers confused as to who would qualify given that these two big teams deserved to qualify.
In the PSG camp, Pacho who was hit by a red card, his position was replaced by Beraldo. In the Real Madrid camp, Huijsen, who was also red-carded when Real Madrid beat Dortmund to qualify for the Semifinals, was replaced by Asencio, who gained the trust of Alonso.
Real Madrid's formation was different again from what had been on display. Alonso's 4-4-2 in this match. It will change to 4-1-3-2 as the match progresses as Vinicius Junior will play above Jude.
I tried to predict in this post that Real Madrid will reach the final.