Following thrilling first leg encounters, the UEFA Champions League semifinals conclude this week, with all four remaining teams vying for a place in the final scheduled for May 31st.
The action resumes on Tuesday in Milan as Inter hosts Barcelona. The first leg between these teams was a dramatic 3-3 draw. Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, ended a difficult spell of three winless games by scoring multiple goals in Barcelona, including two from Denzel Dumfries via set pieces. This was a strong response against a Barcelona side coached by Hansi Flick, who deployed an attacking strategy centered around the impressive 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, playing in his 100th club match.
On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain will play at home in Paris, holding a 1-0 lead over Arsenal from the first leg. Luis Enrique`s team capitalized on Arsenal`s slow start in London, with Ousmane Dembele scoring the decisive goal just four minutes into the match. The game demonstrated tactical flexibility from both teams, particularly from PSG, who effectively absorbed Arsenal`s late pressure and benefited from the Gunners` inability to convert their chances.
With a spot in the final at Munich`s Allianz Arena at stake, here`s essential information for watching the matches this week.
How to Watch
Coverage each matchday will start on CBS and Paramount+ with the UEFA Champions League Today pre-match show, followed by the live game broadcast. Post-match analysis shifts to CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ with the UEFA Champions League Today show. A new episode of The Champions Club is also available on CBS Sports Golazo Network and YouTube.
This week also features the debut of “Beckham and Friends,” an alternative live stream hosted by Champions League winner David Beckham, airing on Paramount+ during both matches.
Bracket
Visual representation of the semifinal matchups.
First Leg Scores
- Arsenal 0 – Paris Saint-Germain 1
- Barcelona 3 – Inter 3
Semifinal TV Schedule (U.S./Eastern Times)
| TUESDAY, MAY 6 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Inter vs. Barcelona | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Beckham and Friends Live | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Beckham and Friends Live | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
Key Storylines for the Semifinals
1. Can Inter Complete the Upset?
Inter may have faced recent difficulties entering the first leg, but their impressive showing in the 3-3 draw at Barcelona has boosted their confidence ahead of the home leg. The key question for the often inconsistent Inter is whether they can replicate their scoring performance against Barcelona`s attack-minded setup with a spot in the final on the line.
Inter might target Barcelona`s sometimes vulnerable defense, anchored by a goalkeeper prone to errors, though Inter also demonstrated defensive lapses last week. They benefitted significantly from the return of Marcus Thuram, who scored early in the first leg after missing previous games, and were highly effective from set pieces – a strategy they may look to repeat.
Despite riding momentum from recent wins and being level in the tie, Inter are not necessarily the favorites. Barcelona`s attack, led by the emerging talent of Yamal, is potent. Furthermore, Inter might be without their season`s top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, who picked up an injury in the first leg. Although the scoreline suggests a close tie, Inter faces a challenging path to advance.
2. Will Arsenal Stage a Comeback?
Arsenal remains in contention in their tie against PSG, but their shaky opening 20 minutes in the first leg highlighted the threat posed by the French champions` intense press. The challenge for manager Mikel Arteta is figuring out how to effectively counter this in the second leg.
Clues might be found in the latter part of the first leg, where Arsenal gained momentum but failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities that could have leveled the aggregate score. While poor finishing can theoretically be corrected, the performance underlined a season-long issue for the Gunners: the absence of a clinical, out-and-out goalscorer. Finding a solution to this, especially needing at least one goal, is crucial, while also managing PSG`s own attacking threats. Dembele is enjoying a standout goalscoring season at the club level, and other players add significant impact. This tie could swing either way, but the pressure is clearly on Arsenal to deliver a strong performance at home.
