- Xavi has labelled Paris Saint-Germain as the favourites in tie against Real Madrid
- The ex-Barcelona star feels Zinedine Zidane’s men can improve in Europe
- Zidane is aiming to lift the Champions League trophy for a third successive year
- The two sides meet in the first leg of their round of 16 match on Wednesday
Xavi has backed Paris Saint-Germain to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League when the two sides meet on Wednesday.
The former-Barcelona star feels Zinedine Zidane’s side will improve in Europe’s elite club competition following lacklustre performances in La Liga that has left them 19 points adrift of Lionel Messi and Co.
Despite thinking Real can improve, Xavi predicts that the Spanish giants will struggle against Unai Emery’s side in their round of 16 match, who he deems are the favourites in the blockbusting tie.
Xavi has labelled Paris Saint-Germain as the favourites in their tie against Real Madrid
‘I think PSG are a spectacular team that are made to win the Champions League,’ he told RMC.
‘But it is not good to face Madrid at the moment. It will be a very strong tie, although I think the favourite is PSG, because of their form. This is a semi-final, not last 16. There was no luck in the draw.
‘Everyone knows that Madrid has the DNA of victory and more in this competition. Sooner or later, PSG will win the Champions League.
‘But Madrid will show their best in the Champions League because, as I said, they have the DNA of the victories, especially in the Champions League.
‘PSG is more favoured, but I am sure that Real will show their best.’
Zidane is aiming to win the Champions League for a third straight year after delivering the club’s 12th European Cup last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co have under-performed in La Liga after trailing Barcelona by 19 points
