The UEFA Champions League enters its semifinal stage this week with the first leg matches. Only four elite teams remain in Europe`s premier club competition, all focused on securing a place in the final scheduled for May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are still pursuing a potential treble this season, having already claimed domestic trophies. They are widely viewed as strong contenders for the Champions League title. However, their path to the final requires overcoming two challenging opponents with genuine aspirations of lifting the trophy: Arsenal and Inter.
Arsenal will host PSG on Tuesday, marking their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 16 years. This follows their impressive victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Inter travels to Barcelona hoping to reverse a recent poor spell of form. Simone Inzaghi`s side is currently winless in their last four outings, a run that saw them eliminated from the Coppa Italia and lose significant ground in the Serie A title race.
Here`s everything you need to know as the Champions League semifinals get underway.
How to Watch
Live coverage of the Champions League semifinal first legs, including pre-match shows, will be available. Post-match analysis will also be provided. Special features like a `Star Cam` will be offered during both matches on dedicated channels. Extensive coverage, including analysis shows and interviews, will round out the matchdays.
Semifinals Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
| Match/Show | Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| TUESDAY, APRIL 29 | ||
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Star Cam | 3 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 6 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 | ||
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Inter | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Inter: Star Cam | 3 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Kickin` It (Guest: Micah Richards) | 9 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Key Storylines for the Semifinals
1. Treble Dreams for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
Only two teams remain in contention for a historic treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. This might be a surprise to some given their pre-season expectations, but both clubs have successfully navigated their domestic challenges while progressing in Europe. They enter the semifinals as perceived favorites to lift the trophy. Barcelona, in particular, are seen by oddsmakers as the most likely winners, impressing despite ongoing financial issues. Young talent like Lamine Yamal has shone, supported by Raphinha`s excellent form, though they face Inter without their injured leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski. PSG, under Luis Enrique, have become a tactically challenging opponent. Having already clinched the Ligue 1 title, their ability to continue this upward trajectory against Arsenal is key, especially as this season was initially viewed as a transitional period without Kylian Mbappe.
2. Arsenal`s Semifinal Comeback
Arsenal`s focus is now solely on the Champions League, their only remaining chance for silverware this season. Their credentials are strong, particularly their defense, which was fundamental in their commanding quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid. However, questions remain about their clinical finishing throughout the season, a factor believed to have hindered their Premier League title push. The possibility of ending another season without a trophy looms large for Mikel Arteta`s side, prompting debate on whether the team has reached its current peak.
3. Inter`s Recent Struggles
In contrast to the other semifinalists who appear to carry momentum, Inter`s recent form has been concerning. Within a week, their hopes of a treble significantly diminished due to poor results domestically. They were eliminated from the Coppa Italia and have seen their advantage in the Serie A title race reduced during a four-game winless streak. A major question is how Inter will balance their Champions League ambitions with the need to regain form domestically, and whether they possess the capacity to win either competition given their current trajectory.
