The Champions League is heading towards the semi-finals, and recent Wednesday matches confirmed the status of some favorites in impressive style. Barcelona is almost guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals, possibly facing Milan or Munich, after a dominant 4-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice against his former club.
In Paris, Paris Saint-Germain overcame an early goal from Aston Villa`s Morgan Rogers with outstanding goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and a late goal by Nuno Mendes. The 3-1 win was even more convincing than the score suggests. Despite still needing to play away against Aston Villa, Luis Enrique`s team looks well-prepared for the challenge.
Arsenal made a significant step towards their first Champions League semi-final in 16 years on Tuesday, with a remarkable 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice scored two stunning free-kicks, rivaling the goals from Doue and Kvaratskhelia for the best of the week. Mikel Merino also added a goal, securing Arsenal`s three-goal lead.
Lautaro Martinez`s opening goal at the Allianz Arena was also noteworthy. Although Thomas Muller equalized, Davide Fratessi scored again, giving Inter a crucial 2-1 away win against Bayern Munich. This victory boosts Inter in our rankings, which you can see below.
UCL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSG | +1 | They appear to be the top team in Europe, and certainly the most exciting to watch. This PSG is a significant departure from previous versions. They aggressively win back possession and share the attacking responsibilities, showcasing genuine team spirit. While some say they lack superstars, players like Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha are undeniably world-class. |
| 2 | Barcelona | -1 | Despite some minor concerns, Barcelona is a formidable team. If Serhou Guirassy had been more clinical, their quarter-final could have been tighter. Assuming they advance, they might face Harry Kane and Lautaro next, potentially requiring them to outscore opponents. However, with Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri, they likely have the firepower to do so. |
| 3 | Arsenal | +3 | Who needs a traditional striker when you have Mikel Merino? He`s proving to be a revelation in a forward role. While it might look unconventional, his goals are crucial. He has scored six since moving up front. With a solid defense led by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, they might not need many more goals to progress. |
| 4 | Inter | +1 | There`s a noticeable gap after the top three. Inter, in fourth place, are strong contenders, especially after their 2-1 away win against Bayern. They possess the qualities of a potential champion: a strong defense, experienced midfield, and a match-winning striker. Lautaro is performing at an elite level and can be relied upon to deliver in the return leg at San Siro. |
| 5 | Bayern Munich | -1 | The first leg could have been different if Kane had converted his early chance. Despite creating numerous chances (20 shots), they only scored once. The positive outlook is that repeating that performance at San Siro might be enough to force extra time. However, Vincent Kompany`s team will be the underdogs in the next match. |
| 6 | Real Madrid | -3 | If any team can overcome a significant deficit at home, it`s Real Madrid. With forwards like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, they have the attacking talent for a comeback, but they might need a miracle. Even if they score the required goals, their defense doesn`t seem solid enough to keep a clean sheet. |
| 7 | Aston Villa | +1 | They are still in contention, especially with the home advantage of Villa Park, known for special European nights. However, PSG seemed to figure them out in the second half, neutralizing their crossing threat. Emery has the tactical flexibility to try different approaches for the next game. |
| 8 | Borussia Dortmund | -1 | The weakest remaining team in the Champions League faced their worst possible opponent: a Barcelona side that excels at their style of play even better. Despite creating opportunities, the significant difference in talent was evident at Montjuic. |
