The UEFA Champions League has reached the crucial semifinal stage, featuring the final four teams battling for a spot in the highly anticipated final on May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona recently celebrated winning their first domestic trophies of the season and still harbor hopes of achieving a treble. However, they face different challenges in their European quest. The French champions, PSG, are set to play Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for the first leg, marking Arsenal`s return to the Champions League semifinals after nearly two decades. Meanwhile, Barcelona will host Inter Milan on Wednesday in the other first leg tie.
Arsenal and Inter have strong motivations for success. For the Gunners, the Champions League is their only remaining opportunity for silverware this season. Inter is balancing their European ambitions with a potentially fading challenge in the Serie A title race.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Arsenal vs. PSG
Player to Watch: Declan Rice. Expected to fill a deeper midfield role potentially due to injuries and suspensions, the quarterfinal hero needs to provide a progressive performance at the Emirates. Arsenal requires a player who can physically assert dominance against PSG`s technically gifted midfield, a role Rice is theoretically perfect for.
Man of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG. The Italian goalkeeper has been impressive this season, making vital saves in the quarterfinal second leg against Aston Villa to help secure their spot in the final four. PSG will need another high-level performance from him at the Emirates Stadium.
Best Bet: Both teams to score (-146). While the odds are relatively low, this is a tight match-up between Arsenal and PSG. Trusting the star attackers to find the net seems like a reliable bet. Despite PSG`s recent domestic setback, this game is unlikely to be a goal fest given Arsenal`s solid defense. However, both sides possess enough attacking quality to score.
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2. Although Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 win against PSG earlier in the league phase, Luis Enrique`s side has evolved significantly since October. They have become one of Europe`s most exciting and resilient teams. Expect a competitive game at the Emirates, but PSG`s potent attack, potentially combined with Donnarumma`s strong goalkeeping, is likely to give them the edge.
Barcelona vs. Inter
Player to Watch: Pedri. Barcelona is anticipated to control possession in advanced areas against an Inter defense known for its strong organization against top teams. Can Pedri identify and exploit the gaps in the defense, delivering quick passes forward when opportunities arise? His performance this season suggests he is more than capable.
Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal. The young Spanish winger has had a phenomenal season, notably performing well in the recent Copa del Rey final win. Inter`s defenders Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni will face a challenging task containing Yamal`s talent on the left wing.
Best Bet: Dani Olmo to have 1+ shot on target and take 2+ shots (-128). Inter`s defense is effective at keeping goals out, but they do concede scoring chances. With multiple attackers like Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal drawing attention, Dani Olmo is likely to find space. He is known for taking shots. While he could hit the target multiple times, a slightly more conservative bet on shots seems reasonable for a first leg.
Prediction: Barcelona 2, Inter 1. Even without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona remains the favored side. Their recent Copa del Rey triumph showed they can still score and handle pressure effectively despite key absences. This contrasts with Inter, who are currently winless in their last four matches, their treble hopes dashed and the Serie A title slipping away. While the Champions League is now their main focus, facing the current form of Barcelona might prove to be too difficult.
