The semi-finals of the Champions League get underway with a first-ever competitive meeting between RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain. But, which of the two sides will be able to claim the win and book their place in the final of the competition?
Champions League Final Preview
The quarterfinals of the competition were a massive coming of age performance from both of these sides, as RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain both needed to overcome adversary to book their place at this stage of the competition. PSG certainly were made to work very hard against Atalanta last week, but they were able to turn the game on its head after a game-changing cameo from Kylian Mbappe.
The World Cup winner was introduced with PSG trailing 1-0 after Mario Pasalic put Atalanta ahead on the first half. However, Mbappe’s arrival changed the game, as PSG scored two goals in the final three minutes of the game to stun their Serie A opponents. Marquinhos put the French side back on level terms, before an unlikely hero emerged in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The former Stoke City striker scored the winner in the 93rd minute before jubilant PSG scenes of celebration could be seen in the stands.
Leipzig reaching this stage of the competition was more surprising, as many believed that Atletico Madrid would present too big of a challenge for the Bundesliga side. However, Leipzig dominated throughout, and took a deserved lead five minutes into the second half through Dani Olmo. Joao Felix equalised for Atletico, but Leipzig weren’t to be denied as Tyler Adams scored the winner with just two minutes remaining. It was an incredible performance from the German side, and they will need to match that intensity again against PSG in this semi-final to stand a chance.
RB Leipzig vs Paris Saint-Germain Team News
Kylian Mbappe will likely start in the semi-final after proving his fitness in the previous round. However, Marco Verratti and Layvin Kurzawa will both be absent for the French side. Marcel Sabitzer will be fit enough to start, but Ibrahima Konate and Fabrice Hartmann will be missing.
RB Leipzig vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction
RB Leipzig’s win over Atletico highlight that they are capable of beating the very best teams in this competition, but this could be a bridge too far. PSG should have enough quality to book their place in their first ever Champions League final.
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