The Champions League is down to the final eight teams, ready to compete this week as they continue their journey to the final in Munich on May 31.
Real Madrid against Arsenal is a major highlight of the quarterfinals, alongside other compelling matchups. Real Madrid is still in contention for three major titles, similar to Barcelona, who will face Borussia Dortmund, last season`s Champions League finalists. Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan also aim for a treble, each facing unique challenges. PSG, a team with young talent, will play against Aston Villa, who are enjoying a remarkable season in their return to the Champions League after forty years. Inter will compete against Bayern Munich, who need to demonstrate their championship quality after inconsistent performances in European games.
The two-leg quarterfinals begin on Tuesday and continue until April 16. Teams will advance based on the total score from both matches. If needed, the second leg will include extra time and potentially penalties.
Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal matches.
How to Follow the Games
Here`s the schedule for Champions League coverage this week.
Quarterfinal TV Schedule
| TUESDAY, APRIL 8 | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | CBS Sports Golazo Network from 1:45 p.m. |
| The Golazo Show | Paramount+ |
| Bayern Munich vs. Inter | Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Real Madrid | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| The Golazo Show | Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund | Paramount+ |
| Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Quarterfinal Storylines
1. Real Madrid and Arsenal Face Off Amidst Imperfect Seasons
Each Champions League week brings the same question: Which Real Madrid will we see? This season has been inconsistent for the reigning champions, especially in the league stage with three losses. However, they`ve improved, defeating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid on their path to the quarterfinals. This suggests they might be peaking at the right moment, but the Arsenal match will truly test this.
Real Madrid has not kept a clean sheet in their last eight games, with most decided by a single goal, except for one draw. Their defense has often been vulnerable, relying on their strong attack to compensate, which hasn`t always worked, as seen in their 2-1 loss to Valencia after a missed penalty. Despite these inconsistencies, Real Madrid`s ability to win even when not playing their best makes them a favorite to win the Champions League.
While Real Madrid`s journey to the quarterfinals has been challenging, Arsenal had a smoother path, finishing high in their group and easily defeating PSV in the round of 16. The match against Real Madrid will be the first major test of Arsenal`s title ambitions. Although Bukayo Saka is available, Gabriel and Jurien Timber are injured and will miss the quarterfinals. This raises questions about Arsenal`s ability to challenge Real Madrid, especially as they aim to reach their first Champions League semifinal in almost twenty years.
2. PSG and Aston Villa Compete for a Semifinal Spot
It might have seemed unlikely for Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa to reach the Champions League semifinals, but both teams are now close to the final four. They must first overcome each other, making their quarterfinal one of the most interesting.
PSG impressed by defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, showing they are one of Europe`s most exciting teams. Luis Enrique`s vision for the team after Kylian Mbappe`s departure is clearly progressing well. Aston Villa might seem less challenging than Liverpool, but Unai Emery`s team has improved with the additions of Marcus Rashford and Marco Ascensio in winter. Their matches promise to be competitive and full of storylines – Emery and Ascensio will face their former clubs, and Emery previously lost to Enrique’s Barcelona in the famous “La Remontada” in 2017.
3. Inter and Bayern Seek to Prove Their Strength
Inter`s match against Bayern Munich feels like a classic Champions League encounter between two historically successful clubs. This quarterfinal will reveal which team truly lives up to that reputation.
Inter has been consistent this season, including in the Champions League, where they secured a top spot in the group stage and comfortably defeated Feyenoord in the round of 16. This Inter team seems to carry the weight of the club`s history and ambitions, especially being only two years away from a final appearance. Bayern Munich arguably has more to prove. Despite easily beating Bayer Leverkusen in the previous round and leading the Bundesliga, their Champions League campaign has been inconsistent. This match will be a crucial test for Vincent Kompany’s Bayern to show their true level and address any weaknesses from last season.
