The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set with a group of star-studded and successful teams, most of which have won the competition before.
Real Madrid, the current champions and record holders with 15 titles, are back after defeating Atletico Madrid. Bayern Munich and Barcelona, also highly successful with six and five titles respectively, are aiming for another trophy. Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, each with one title, are hoping for deep runs, especially Dortmund after reaching last year`s final.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are still seeking their first Champions League titles, having lost in finals in the past 20 years to perennial winners and hoping to avoid a repeat this season.
Here’s what to know about the Champions League quarterfinalists.
Champions League Quarterfinal Matchups
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
The two-legged ties will be played from April 8 to April 16.
Bracket
Bayern Munich
Best finish: Winners (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020) – Bayern Munich is a European powerhouse, tied for third in Champions League titles with six. Their last title was five years ago, defeating PSG 1-0 with a goal from Kingsley Coman.
How they got here: Bayern`s path to the quarterfinals was uneven, including a 8-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb and losses to Barcelona and Feyenoord in the league phase. However, they smoothly advanced from the round of 16 with a 5-0 aggregate win against Bayer Leverkusen.
Chances of winning it: Bayern Munich`s chances are uncertain. Despite a strong Bundesliga lead, inconsistencies and a tough tie against Inter raise questions about their ability to win the Champions League.
Inter
Best finish: Winners (1964, 1965, 2010) – Inter, another European giant, last won the Champions League in 2010, defeating Bayern Munich 2-0. They aim to repeat that success as they face Bayern in the quarterfinals and are also contenders for Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.
How they got here: Inter has shown consistency in all competitions, including the Champions League, losing only four points in the league phase and easily defeating Feyenoord 4-1 in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: Inter is a strong dark horse contender. With a well-organized team and key players like Thuram and Martinez, they have the potential to make a deep run and compete for the title, depending on fitness and matchups.
Arsenal
Best finish: Runners-up (2006) – Arsenal`s best Champions League run was in 2006, losing the final to Barcelona. They have struggled to advance past the quarterfinals since and face a tough challenge against Real Madrid this season.
How they got here: Arsenal had a straightforward Champions League campaign, dropping only four points in the league phase and easily overcoming PSV in the round of 16 with a 7-1 first-leg win.
Chances of winning it: Pressure is on manager Mikel Arteta to prove Arsenal`s title contention. Facing Real Madrid and dealing with injuries, their chances are slim but an upset in the quarterfinals could change things.
Real Madrid
Best finish: Winners (1965, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) – Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League, holding 15 titles. They are always contenders, even when not at their best, as seen in their last title run.
How they got here: Real Madrid`s campaign had early concerns with losses, but they finished strong and defeated Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs. They needed penalties against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, showing they are peaking at the right time.
Chances of winning it: Real Madrid, despite flaws and attacking balance issues, are still favorites due to their winning mentality and star players. They often find ways to win, making them the team to beat once again.
Barcelona
Best finish: Winners (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – Barcelona, another top European club, won four of their five Champions League titles in a decade, including two under Pep Guardiola. After a decade since their last win, they are showing resurgence under Hansi Flick.
How they got here: Barcelona started their European campaign impressively, finishing just two points from first place in the league phase and defeating Bayern Munich 4-1. They continued their form against Benfica in the round of 16 with a 4-1 aggregate win.
Chances of winning it: Barcelona might be the favorites to win the Champions League. Despite financial issues, they are performing well under Flick, with players like Raphinha and Lewandowski in form and Yamal`s emergence making them strong contenders.
Borussia Dortmund
Best finish: Winners (1997) – Borussia Dortmund`s only Champions League title was in 1997. They have reached the final twice in the last 12 years, losing to Bayern Munich in 2013 and Real Madrid last year.
How they got here: Dortmund had an inconsistent season, missing the top eight in the league phase and undergoing a managerial change. They managed to advance, defeating Sporting Lisbon and Lille in the knockout stages.
Chances of winning it: Dortmund`s chances are slim. Facing Barcelona next and struggling in the Bundesliga, their focus might be on the Champions League, but replicating last season`s final run seems unlikely.
Paris Saint-Germain
Best finish: Finalists (2020) – The Champions League is PSG`s main goal since 2011. They reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern. After defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, they have renewed hope.
How they got here: PSG had a tough league phase but qualified for the knockout stages. They made a statement by defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, becoming an exciting team in the competition.
Chances of winning it: PSG is a dark horse contender. Despite being young and without major stars, they are clicking under Enrique, especially with Kvaratskhelia`s arrival. They might be favorites in their quarterfinal but winning the title requires a significant effort.
Aston Villa
Best finish: Winners (1982) – Aston Villa`s glory days include winning the 1982 European Cup. This is only their second Champions League appearance since then, matching their 1983 quarterfinal run.
How they got here: Aston Villa`s Champions League return has been memorable, reaching the league phase top eight and defeating Club Brugge 6-1 in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: A title run is unlikely for Villa. Despite talent and new signings, their competitiveness against Europe`s elite is uncertain. The PSG quarterfinal will be a test, but it might be too early for them to be true contenders.
