The Champions League quarterfinals feature Arsenal, Inter, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. While PSG`s league phase ranking was lower, these teams represent the strongest contenders remaining. The final is guaranteed to include either PSG or Arsenal, both seeking their first title, while Barcelona and Inter aim to regain past glory.
With the semifinals approaching, it`s time to assess the chances of each team. Can Arsenal match Barcelona or PSG`s attacking power? Is this Inter team stronger than their previous finalist squad?
4. Inter
Arsenal and Inter are closely matched. Lautaro Martinez has starred in this Champions League, scoring eight goals and becoming increasingly influential. Inter boasts a competition-leading eight clean sheets, with Simone Inzaghi`s well-organized squad adapting to both defensive and high-scoring games. However, beyond Martinez and Marcus Thuram, their ability to overcome a relentless attacking team is questionable.
Beating Bayern Munich was impressive, but Bayern is in a rebuilding phase, aspiring to Inter`s current level. Their match against Barcelona will test their ability to compete with top European teams.
3. Arsenal
Neutralizing Real Madrid`s attack is a significant achievement, especially with a makeshift defense including Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal`s young defenders effectively limited Real Madrid to low-percentage shots. Even Bukayo Saka`s missed penalty didn`t deter the Gunners.
Arsenal`s Champions League hopes hinge on the fitness of Saka and Martin Odegaard. While capable of winning, facing a more balanced team than Real Madrid will require tactical adjustments from Mikel Arteta to avoid being overwhelmed.
2. PSG
PSG has been arguably the most formidable team in world football recently. Luis Enrique`s squad is incredibly versatile. The dynamic play of Ousman Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is exceptional, and PSG`s attacking flow is difficult to stop. Full-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi contribute to the attack, while the midfield remains solid.
PSG`s main weakness is the lack of a traditional number nine. Their attacking style makes them capable of both high-scoring wins and losses. Few teams can match their offensive output over two legs, making a potential clash with Arsenal a battle of attrition.
1. Barcelona
Barcelona and PSG are closely comparable, similar to Inter and Arsenal, but Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha give Barcelona a slight edge. Both teams prioritize attack, feature talented young players like Lamine Yamal, and can dominate matches in various ways. A Barcelona vs. PSG final would be exciting, but both have challenging matches ahead.
A striker like Martinez could exploit Barcelona`s offside trap, posing a challenge for their defense. Inter`s defensive strategy will be crucial against Barcelona`s attack. Stopping Barcelona requires a team effort, as even if their main attackers are contained, players like Pedri can contribute from midfield. Barcelona seems to have solutions for every problem, making them slightly ahead of PSG.
