Champions League Predictions: Real Sociedad take on PSG and Real Madrid travel to RB Leipzig

The Champions League returns this week, with perennial threat Real Madrid returning to European action after an emphatic thumping of Girona, which many are calling the end of the La Liga title race. Meanwhile Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping Luis Enrique is the one that can turn their fortunes around in Europe, but face a tricky Real Sociedad in his first knockout tie. Here’s how we think the first legs will play out.

Feargal Brennan:  Real Madrid look ready to partially switch tracks in the run in after opening up a five point La Liga title lead. Whilst Carlo Ancelotti won’t admit it, he knows he can split resources, and keep extra freshness for Europe. No Jude Bellingham is an issue, but RB Leipzig don’t seem to have the engine room to capitalise, and their form has dipped. Lois Openda will be one to watch for against a patched up Los Blancos defence. But, Ancelotti will be confident of bringing a first leg lead back to Madrid.

Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 0-2 Real Madrid

John Menzies: Real Madrid will fancy their chances of a 15th European Cup/Champions League, and they will certainly be one of the favourites. Jude Bellingham will be a big miss for Carlo Ancelotti, but they have more than enough firepower to break down the Bundesliga side’s underperforming defence.

Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-3 Real Madrid

Ruairidh Barlow: Real Madrid will of course be on a high after their Girona clash, but it’s also true that they were superlative in that match – expecting them to hit that level again three days later is a lot. They play a Leipzig side that traditionally given them problems in the past, but their lack of solidity at the back will be exploited. The lack of Jude Bellingham robs Los Blancos of some of their goal