The Champions League quarterfinals are set with Arsenal, Inter, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain as the remaining contenders. While PSG`s league phase finish was lower than expected, the top teams from that phase are largely represented in the final four. Interestingly, either PSG or Arsenal, neither of whom have ever won the Champions League, are guaranteed to reach the final. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Inter, both former champions, will battle for a spot.
With these teams left, it`s time to assess their chances of winning the Champions League title. Can Arsenal compete with the attacking strength of Barcelona or PSG? And is this Inter team stronger than the one that played Manchester City in the final two years ago?
4. Inter
Arsenal and Inter are very closely matched, making them difficult to separate in rankings. Lautaro Martinez has been outstanding in this Champions League campaign, scoring eight goals and becoming increasingly influential as Inter progressed. Inter also boasts a competition-leading eight clean sheets, thanks to Simone Inzaghi`s well-organized squad, capable of both defensive solidity and offensive firepower. However, questions remain about Inter`s ability to overcome teams that can unleash relentless attacks, beyond Martinez and Marcus Thuram.
Their victory against Bayern Munich is impressive, but Bayern is currently in a rebuilding phase, aiming to reach Inter`s current level. Facing Barcelona will be a true test for Inter, and overcoming Hansi Flick`s team will be a significant challenge.
3. Arsenal
Neutralizing Real Madrid`s attack is a remarkable achievement, especially considering Arsenal`s use of a third-choice center back, Jakub Kiwior, and an 18-year-old left back, Myles Lewis-Skelly. Echoing Matt Busby`s sentiment, `If you`re good enough, you`re old enough,` these young defenders effectively forced Real Madrid into taking low-percentage shots and limited clear scoring opportunities. Even Bukayo Saka`s penalty miss didn`t deter Arsenal.
Arsenal`s chances of winning the tournament are high, provided Saka and Martin Odegaard remain fit. However, against more balanced teams than Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta must ensure his team is not overwhelmed.
2. PSG
PSG has emerged as arguably the most dangerous team in world football since the start of the year, exhibiting few weaknesses under Luis Enrique. The dynamic play between Ousman Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is exceptional, and when PSG attacks, stopping them seems almost impossible, relying instead on missed chances. Even their full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, contribute offensively, while the midfield maintains excellent balance.
PSG`s main weakness might be the lack of a traditional number nine. Their attacking style, however, means they are equally capable of winning big or being involved in high-scoring matches. Few teams can match their offensive output over two legs, making a potential clash with Arsenal a potentially grueling battle.
1. Barcelona
Similar to the close ranking of Inter and Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG are very close at the top. The difference-makers for Barcelona are Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Like PSG, Barcelona prioritizes attack, possesses talented young players like Lamine Yamal, and can dominate matches in various ways. A Champions League final between them would be a dream matchup, but significant hurdles remain.
A striker like Martinez could exploit Barcelona`s offside trap, posing challenges for Flick`s defense. Inter`s defensive strategy will be crucial. Stopping Barcelona`s attack requires a team effort because even if their main attackers are contained, players like Pedri can emerge from midfield. Barcelona appears to have solutions for every challenge, giving them a slight edge over PSG.
