Champions League: PSG and Real set for titanic tussle

Paris Saint-Germain host Real Madrid in the first leg of a blockbuster Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.

Having finished second in Group A behind Manchester City, PSG have been pitted against one of their fellow favourites for the tournament in the first knockout stage.

The home side are 2.08 favourites to take an advantage into the second leg, with the draw priced at 3.9. The Spaniards, meanwhile, are on offer at 3.75.

Champions focus

Although PSG finished runners-up in their group, this came about because of their indifferent away form. At Parc des Princes this season, they have been formidable. From 16 matches, they have picked up 14 victories, with the two exceptions a pair of scoreless draws against Nice.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men almost slipped up on Friday but edged Rennes 1-0 thanks to a goal in stoppage-time from Kylian Mbappe, who with 21 strikes this season continues to be their go-to player.

It was PSG’s fourth win in their last five games in all competitions, and with a 13-point lead atop Ligue 1, they can channel their energy fully towards this pair of matches.

Boosted by Benz

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have gone off the boil a little in recent weeks, coinciding with an injury to Karim Benzema. Los Blancos have won only one of their last four in all competitions and were held to a 1-1 draw against Villarreal on Saturday, with Gareth Bale surprisingly playing the role as No.9.

Benzema, though, is expected back for this clash. With 24 goals and 13 assists for the season, his importance to Real Madrid can barely be overstated.

In Europe this season, Madrid have five wins from six matches, with the exception a memorable 2-1 home loss to FC Sheriff. On their travels, they have picked up three victories and haven't conceded – but on Tuesday they face a far greater challenge.

Messi to make a mark

While PSG have excelled at home this season, Real Madrid have travelled well, and in this encounter something has to give.

The Parisians have conceded just nine home goals in 16 matches this season while Real Madrid have leaked on 12 on the road. Backing cautiously against both teams to score at 2.6 may have some merit.

In terms of the scoring markets, Lionel Messi has hinted at improved form lately and at 2.38 is fair value as an Anytime Goalscorer. With Mbappe so strongly linked with a move to Madrid in the summer, it would be little surprise to see the Argentine on penalty duty, for example.

Recommended bets:

Both Teams to Score? No @ 2.6

Anytime Goalscorer: Lionel Messi @ 2.38