This week concludes the Champions League quarterfinals, determining the four semifinalists for the 2024-25 season. The semifinals are scheduled for April 29-20 and May 6-7, leading up to the final on May 31 at Munich`s Allianz Arena. Barcelona and PSG hold advantages, while Real Madrid faces a significant challenge after a 3-0 first-leg loss to Arsenal. Bayern Munich, despite injury concerns, needs a turnaround after losing 2-1 to Inter in the first leg.
The second leg matches will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Barcelona travels to Dortmund after a dominant 4-0 victory, and Aston Villa hosts PSG following a 3-1 defeat in Paris on Tuesday. Inter will play Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid will host Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Barcelona/Borussia Dortmund winner will play against the Inter/Bayern Munich winner in the semifinals. The winner of the Arsenal/Real Madrid tie will face either PSG or Aston Villa. Let`s analyze each upcoming game.
FC Barcelona Expected to Advance
Barcelona is in a comfortable position compared to Real Madrid. After their 4-0 first-leg win against Borussia Dortmund, they are highly likely to reach the semifinals. They are set to face the winner of the Inter vs Bayern Munich quarterfinal. Barcelona`s visit to Dortmund will be notable as Robert Lewandowski returns to his former club where he played from 2010 to 2014 before his move to Bayern Munich. If they proceed as expected, this will be Barcelona`s first semifinal appearance since 2019, when Liverpool eliminated them after a historic comeback.
PSG Close to Semifinals
PSG is in a strong position to reach the Champions League semifinals after a solid 3-1 victory over Aston Villa. They could potentially face Arsenal or Real Madrid in the next round. Reaching the semifinals would mark their second consecutive appearance, aiming to improve after last year`s loss to Borussia Dortmund. Having already secured the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title, Luis Enrique`s team is heavily focused on winning the Champions League for the first time, a significant ambition for the manager who joined in 2023 to achieve European success.
Can Real Madrid Stage Another Comeback?
The Real Madrid vs Arsenal match is highly anticipated. Real Madrid will host Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu after a 3-0 defeat in London. Real Madrid is known for remarkable comebacks, particularly in the 2021-22 season against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, before winning the final against Liverpool. However, this situation is more challenging due to Arsenal`s strong performance in the first leg and Madrid`s injury concerns. Despite the odds, Real Madrid players and fans believe a comeback is possible, drawing on their history of dramatic Bernabeu turnarounds.
Inter Aiming to Eliminate Bayern
Inter Milan will host Bayern Munich in a potentially tight quarterfinal matchup, following Inter`s 2-1 away win in Munich. A victory for Inter would be a significant achievement, knocking out Bayern Munich and marking a strong Champions League run after reaching the final in 2023, where they narrowly lost to Manchester City. Simone Inzaghi`s Inter, known for their experience, aims for their fourth Champions League title. Their last victory was in 2009-10 under Jose Mourinho, where they defeated Barcelona in the semifinals and Bayern Munich in the final.
