Only four teams are left in this year`s UEFA Champions League, with the semifinals kicking off at the end of April. Arsenal is set to play Paris Saint-Germain, as both teams aim for their first Champions League title. Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Barcelona will clash in a showdown of European powerhouses.
Just 180 minutes, or possibly more, remain before we know who will compete in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final in Munich on May 31st. Before we get there, let`s evaluate and rank the possible final combinations now that the semifinal matchups are set.
4. PSG vs. Inter Milan
Even as the lowest-ranked potential final, this matchup would still be very exciting. It shouldn`t be seen as negative, but rather as the least spectacular of the great options. PSG would be trying to finish their project, similar to Manchester City`s success a couple of seasons ago. Inter Milan, who were finalists two years prior, have maintained their strong performance, making excellent signings like Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer.
PSG has improved more significantly than any other team in recent months. They`ve gone from being considered outsiders to serious contenders, surprising many after losing Kylian Mbappe. However, new players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have brought flair, Joao Neves is a highly underrated midfielder, Ousmane Dembele is performing to his potential, and Bradley Barcola shows superstar potential. Combined with their existing talent, this matchup promises excitement and goals.
3. PSG vs. Barcelona
This potential final is packed with storylines. Dembele previously played for Barcelona, and PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, famously managed Barcelona`s iconic team with Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. Barcelona`s current coach, Hansi Flick, was in charge of Bayern Munich when they defeated PSG in the Champions League final during the pandemic. Both teams have incredibly talented squads, suggesting a high-scoring final like 4-3 is possible, given their defenses may not be their strongest point.
This matchup would highlight top young talent, especially Barcelona`s Lamine Yamal, who has an impressive number of goals and assists this season. He would be aiming to follow up his success at the Euros last summer by leading Barcelona back to the top of European football, a position they haven`t held for a decade.
2. Arsenal vs. Inter Milan
This is a compelling contest between two major clubs with rich histories of seeking European success. Inter Milan has won the Champions League three times. However, with the increasing financial power of English clubs and the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, many have questioned when an Italian team could again reach the top. If any Italian team can, it might be this dynamic and disciplined Inter Milan side. Having reached the final before, they would be motivated to learn from past mistakes. For Arsenal, reaching the final would be a remarkable achievement, exceeding expectations after dealing with numerous injuries.
A midfield battle between Arsenal`s Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard against Inter`s Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and others suggests a tactical and strategic game. However, the speed and skill on both sides could also lead to spectacular moments.
1. Barcelona vs. Arsenal
This matchup is arguably the most anticipated. It has been almost 20 years since Arsenal and Barcelona faced off in the 2006 final in Paris. Sol Campbell`s goal gave Arsenal hope, even after Jens Lehmann`s early red card. However, goals from Samuel Eto`o and Juliano Belletti gave Barcelona their second Champions League title and their first since 1992. Both clubs have been striving to return to this level, achieving it faster than many predicted. Not long ago, Barcelona`s financial difficulties seemed to limit their European ambitions, while Arsenal was rebuilding under Mikel Arteta. However, both teams have demonstrated this season their potential, with Barcelona capable of dominant wins and Arsenal able to shut down strong teams like Real Madrid over two legs.
For Arsenal fans, that 2006 final is filled with `what ifs`, especially regarding the red card. This potential final offers a chance for redemption against a team that evokes painful memories. It’s an opportunity for Arsenal to create a new chapter of history against a Barcelona team that, while experienced, also includes many young players new to this level of competition.
Imagine a fast-paced game with Saka, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal on the wings. A back-and-forth match between these two teams would be a football spectacle.
