Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid
Champions League 2019/20 season
Venue: Parc des Princes
Date: Wednesday, 18th September, 2019
Kick-off time: 8pm BST
For the first time since 2015, Real Madrid kick off their Champions League campaign knowing they are no longer holders of Europe's most-coveted prize.
Zinedine Zidane's side face arguably their toughest fixture in the group in their opening match against French champions PSG, who were boosted by the return of want-away star Neymar at the weekend.
The Spanish giants head into this match unbeaten in La Liga but could struggle in Paris with seven first-team squad members absent.
With both teams boasting star-studded squads worth hundreds of millions of euros in transfer fees, it promises to be a fascinating encounter at Parc des Princes.
Team news and predicted lineups
Zidane is facing an injury crisis ahead of Wednesday's game with seven first-team players unavailable.
Brazilian full-back Marcelo joined the growing injury list after the 3-2 victory over Levante along injured along with Isco, Marco Asensio, Federico Valverde and Luka Modric, while Sergio Ramos and Nacho are suspended.
Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are both injured for PSG and Neymar is serving a three-game ban, so Mauro Icardi could make his full debut for PSG after joining on loan from Inter Milan.
PSG XI: Navas; Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat; Gueye, Verratti, Herrera; Di Maria, Icardi, Sarabia.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Eder Militao, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, James; Bale, Benzema, Hazard.
Prediction: PSG 2-2 Real Madrid
Madrid have several key defenders missing for this clash and playing against an untested centre-back partnership will be music to the ears of Icardi and Di Maria.
But with Bale back on form and Hazard fit again, Real are certainly capable of out-scoring anyone on their day.
Both sides will be keen to kick off their campaign with three points and that could make for an entertaining, goal-laden contest in Paris.
Tickets
Click here for more information about Real Madrid tickets.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- PSG to win: 6/5
- Draw: 13/5
- Real Madrid to win: 9/4
First goalscorer
- Mauro Icardi: 7/2
- Gareth Bale: 4/1
- Karim Benzema: 5/1
- Angel Di Maria: 6/1
- Eden Hazard: 6/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream information
The match will be televised live on BT Sport 3, BT Sport 3 HD and BT Sport Ultimate.
BT Sport customers can watch the game from 7.15pm on the BT Sport app.
You can also follow all the action and analysis on Standard Sport's LIVE blog with our Spanish football correspondent Ben Hayward at the Parc des Princes.
Head to head (h2h) results and history
There have been nine previous meetings between the two sides, with Real edging the head-to-head with four victories to PSG's three.
Madrid won 2-1 on their last visit to Paris in March 2018 and are unbeaten in their last three trips to the Parc des Princes.
