By Alex Al-Kazzaz
In the Champions League Round of 16, Real Madrid is set to take on Paris Saint-Germain. No doubt, it's a match that will put butts in seats and put eyeballs on television screens. In other words, a match that draws well and will have lots of viewers. The point is that this is a match that the world would love to see.
Paris Saint-Germain is loaded with talent, no doubt. But you know what? SO IS REAL MADRID. In addition, Los Blancos have Carlo Ancelotti as their manager. Ancelotti is not only the goat of Italian soccer as far as managing goes, but Ancelotti has won the Champions League before. He won it with Real Madrid back in 2014! What a game that was! Ancelotti's long and illustrious career speaks for itself and he has much left to offer.
PSG may have Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, but lately, that trio has failed to put up convincing results. PSG lost to Manchester City and could NOT beat RB Leipzig which is why they didn't win their group in Champions League play. PSG is known for lacking a winning mentality and crumbling under immense pressure. In other words, PSG may have talent, but they don't use them properly and to their advantage.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, knows how to play as a team. Los Blancos' talent goes from Vinicius Jr. to Karim Benzema to Rodrygo to Toni Kroos etc. Real Madrid is doing very well in La Liga and they've been displaying a strong winning mentality as of late. In addition, they've been playing very well as a team. Those aspects are why Mbappe wants to leave PSG and sign with Real Madrid. Los Blancos can use Mbappe and he can be a huge asset to the team.
Therefore, it's safe to say that realistically, Real Madrid is the favorite and NOT Paris Saint-Germain. PSG's latest results aren't convincing and Real Madrid can take advantage of PSG's inability to handle intense pressure. Regardless PSG is a respectable opponent and no doubt, they'll be ready for anything. But honestly...whether they can beat Real Madrid or not seems likely that they can't, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN so Los Blancos better be ready!