The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw occurred on Monday, and Paris Saint-Germain drew Real Sociedad as their matchup. It’s a favorable tie for the capital club, but the squad needs to tread lightly.
After the matchup was made official, there was plenty of reaction from the French giants. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi was among the first to comment on the draw and noted that the Spanish side is one they must respect.
Furthermore, Al-Khelaïfi applauded the Champions League path Real Sociedad took to finish first in their group.
“Real Sociedad is a magnificent club that we respect a lot,” Al-Khelaïfi said (h/t Paris Fans). “They have a great team who finished first in the group and a great president who is doing a fantastic job. We are looking forward to the matches in Paris and San Sebastián, which will be great moments.”
Marquinhos offers his take on the Champions League tie
The other person from PSG to comment was Marquinhos, who stated that the Ligue 1 side needs to prepare for an opponent that will give them their best. He also notes about the environment they’ll be entering for the second leg.
“Real Sociedad is an opponent who is in a very good period,” Marquinhos said (h/t Paris Fans). “They had such a tough group stage with good opponents. And they finished first. I think it shows their value. It shows how we have to prepare to be in shape for that match. And I think that between now and then, until this meeting, a lot of things are going to happen. Our team is growing and working well, evolving.
“And we will be ready to face this Real Sociedad team when it happens. They are an opponent that we have not yet encountered in this European course, and for me, it is the first time. With all the information we have, I hear that it is a beautiful stadium with a good atmosphere.”
PSG has a chance to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021. Nonetheless, they cannot overlook a team, and having an experienced Spanish manager like Luis Enrique is ideal as he can rely on that message.
