PSG vs Real Madrid Prediction: European champions get the nod in this semi

We’ve got a blockbuster clash coming our way on Wednesday night from the Club World Cup as PSG face Real Madrid (20:00, live on Betfred), at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This pits the most successful team in the history of the European Cup against its current holders, and it should be a cracking watch.

Below you can find my PSG vs Real Madrid predictions featuring team news and betting tips, along with the latest odds from Betfred. 

Football Odds

Team News

After a chaotic end to their quarter-final, PSG will be without Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both of whom were sent off late on in the 2-0 success over Bayern Munich. Lucas Beraldo should start at centre-back in place of Pacho, while Hernendez has only come off the bench as a substitute so is not as big a loss for Luis Enrique. 

Nuno Mendes will continue at left-back, with Achraf Hakimi on the right side of the defence. Ousmane Dembele remains an interesting prospect, having scored the second goal off the bench once more against Bayern; his injury issues haven’t allowed him to start in this competition to date. 

He may be left on the bench as a not-so-secret weapon for the Parisiens, with Bradley Barcola likely to continue to deputise in his place, alongside Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Real Madrid will also be without a centre-back through suspension as new arrival Dean Huijsen was sent off against Borussia Dortmund. Raul Asencio should replace him having been sent off against Pachuca in the group stage, although Eder Militao is back from his ACL injury but unlikely to be risked yet. 

Gonzalo Garcia has been in terrific form and should start again, having notched four goals at the Club World Cup. Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo both began on the bench v Dortmund but you would expect Mbappe to start against the club he left last summer. With Vinicius Jr., Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham all to fit in, Xabi Alonso has quite the conundrum to solve. 

PSG vs Real Madrid Odds

PSG are priced at 11/8 to win this semi-final in 90 minutes, which gives them an implied win probability of 42%, while they are 8/11 to win the tie. Real Madrid are 1/1 to qualify, and 15/8 to win in 90, while a draw and extra time can be backed at 11/4.

Over 2.5 goals is 4/7, 1/2 is on offer for BTTS and Mbappe is the favourite to score first at 4/1. Betfred has also put together several Price Boosts and Bet Builder offers for you to consider by clicking the link above. 

PSG to win and BTTS @ 13/5

I think despite all of Real Madrid’s individual quality, PSG are the best team in the world right now and that will show. Luis Enrique has carefully crafted a team that is so well-drilled that they can beat anybody - and without any egos - glances in Mbappe’s direction, they have been able to win a Champions League title. 

I’ve been resolute in backing them throughout this tournament and with the attacking quality on show for both sides, I think they will both find the net. PSG have only conceded one goal at the Club World Cup, but Real Madrid are the best team they have faced and you have to think that they will break them down at some point, especially with Pacho sidelined. 

However, I don’t think any team in the world can cope with PSG right now and I’m fully expecting them to win the entire competition. They can get the job done in 90.

Today's Football Fixtures

Bet Builder - Gonzalo to score, either team red card and Dembele to score last @ 50/1

A massive punt here, but one I am going for with good reason. Gonzalo has been utterly superb in the absence of Mbappe, leading the scoring charts with four goals and bagging one assist along the way. He has burst onto the scene with aplomb. 

It’s incredible to think he only made a handful of league appearances at the tail-end of last season for Los Blancos, and now he’s made a name for himself as one of the hottest young strikers in Europe. I think he can keep up this scoring run under Alonso, who is clearly a fan. 

Meanwhile, after accumulating two red cards apiece during the tournament so far, and given three of those came in the quarters, I think we could see another sending off. This is a tense environment and I can see things spilling over again at a big price for either PSG or Real Madrid. 

To round off this Bet Builder, I’m backing Dembele to score last, just as he did against Bayern. I’m not sure he’s fit enough to start, but he will once again be called upon, and he could take advantage of tiring legs at the back. He’s got 34 goals in 51 appearances this term and will look for another here. 

Offers

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