Three Things to Watch for When PSG Takes On Real Madrid
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are set to clash in the FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals on Wednesday. The match will kick off at 3:00 p.m. EST at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Both teams won on Saturday as PSG beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid held on to eliminate Borussia Dortmund. Madrid and PSG have been two of the best teams in the competition, but one will be going home after Wednesday. This must-see match features plenty of storylines. Here are three things to watch for in the battle between two titans of Europe.
What Impact Can Mbappé Have?
Kylian Mbappé was sick during the group stages and has only played 47 minutes in the Club World Cup, making two substitute appearances. It is unclear if he can start on Wednesday, but he’ll be fit to play, and when he does, he’s one of the best players in the world. The obvious storyline is how well Mbappé will play in his first match against his former club. PSG will be missing two defenders, William Pacho and Lucas Hernández, as they were shown red cards against Bayern. Lucas Beraldo and Marquinhos will likely start for Luis Enrique, two players who started consistently when Mbappé was in Paris. PSG kept Bayern’s Harry Kane from making a significant impact and hopes to do the same with Mbappé on Wednesday. The Frenchman represents a more dynamic challenge for PSG’s defense, and don’t be surprised if midfielder João Neves plays a big role defensively.
Who Controls the Midfield?
Of the four remaining teams in the Club World Cup, PSG has averaged the highest possession while Real Madrid has had the least. PSG has an excellent midfield conducted by Vitinha, complemented by plenty of players who are sound on the ball. It is in Real Madrid’s best interest to keep PSG off the ball and not allow them to dictate the terms of the games. In the past, Real Madrid has survived against big teams by defending in deep low boxes and striking on the counterattack. PSG have shown excellent discipline against counterattacks and have too much quality for this work. In Xabi Alonso’s last two years managing Leverkusen, they averaged the most and second-most possession in the Bundesliga. During that time, Leverkusen had more points and fewer goals conceded than any other Bundesliga team. Real Madrid has the right coach and the right amount of talent to control this game, but it remains to be seen if they can.
What Will Trent Alexander-Arnold Do?
One of Madrid’s latest signings, Trent Alexander-Arnold, has started every game during the Club World Cup. His defensive numbers have been around his career average during this tournament. He faces his toughest test yet as a member of Los Blancos against PSG, who usually deploy the dangerous Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left flank. In Alexander-Arnold’s last two matches against PSG, he was given a 6.5 match rating by Sofascore, well below his average. Whether Alonso plays three or two centerbacks, he’ll need Alexander-Arnold to be steady and alert in the defense against PSG’s deadly attack. Alexander-Arnold’s impact goes beyond his defense as he could be key in the build-up for Real Madrid. PSG has one of the best presses in the world, and Alexander-Arnold, with his ability to spray the ball accurately, could be the answer to solving the press. Additionally, if PSG gets overzealous in pursuit of the ball, Alexander-Arnold can send the ball long and make them pay, as he already has two assists in the Club World Cup. He’ll need to be at his best defensively, but his rare ability on the ball could give Real Madrid a unique advantage.
