PSG vs. Real Madrid: Champions League live stream, TV channel, how to watch online, news, odds, start time

Paris Saint-Germain welcome Real Madrid to Parc des Princes on Tuesday for the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash (3 p.m. ET | CBS and Paramount+) and all eyes will be on Parc des Princes as two of the most star-studded squads in European soccer do battle.

Kylian Mbappe will be the main topic of discussion given his importance to the Parisien cause and the Spanish giants’ long-standing interest in bringing him to Santiago Bernabeu, but the showdown also gives Lionel Messi the chance to renew his rivalry with Los Blancos.

“There is no more pressure on one side than the other,” said PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino pre-match. “We respect Real, one of the biggest clubs in the world, but there is no favorite. This match could have also been a final. I believe in my team and our fans who transmit their energy to us.”

“We have fought since the season started,” added captain Marquinhos. “We train every day and play many games — some good, others not so good and some with last minute winners. We must not ignore what has come before.”

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Here is how you can watch the match and what to know:

Viewing information

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 15 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Parc des Princes — Paris, France
TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: PSG +100; Draw +260; Real +260 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Team news

Sergio Ramos has been ruled out through injury and although they will not start, Pochettino can call upon Idrissa Gueye and Abdou Diallo once more after Africa Cup of Nations duty with champions Senegal. Neymar is also expected to return to the group after a lengthy injury layoff.

“Leo is in good shape,” said Pochettino of Messi’s form. “It is a decisive game, and his talent will count as well as his experience. What he can pass on to his teammates is essential.”

“Neymar is confident,” Marquinhos said of his compatriot. “Even though he is lacking match fitness, he will give his all on the pitch. It is the boss who will decide how that might be.”

Storylines

On top of Mbappe’s future given Real’s interest, there is also Pochettino’s own future to consider with Manchester United links refusing to go away and the brewing frustration among PSG fans which was exhibited during last week’s win over Stade Rennais.

“Our objective here is not Kylian’s future — it is to play well and win,” said Marquinhos on the topic of the French superstar. “We try to make Kylian as comfortable as possible. He is young, but also mentally strong. I hope that he is decisive and then he has a decision to make.

“We are not in the worst situation in the world,” the skipper added. “True, we are out of the Coupe de France, but we lead Ligue 1 and are coming up against Real.”

“I am a romantic,” replied Pochettino when asked if he “loves” PSG. “Every project I have been involved in has moved my heart. I do not know any other way to live. I have always followed my heart and let it guide me. It is a personal belief shared with the staff.”

Prediction

The French giants raise their game massively in the Champions League and this will be no different. This tie is likely to go all the way across both legs, but PSG may well draw first blood in Paris. Pick: PSG 2, Real Madrid 1