The Champions League quarterfinals kicked off this week with exciting matches as top European teams compete for the prestigious title.
Arsenal made a strong statement in their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 19 years, taking a 3-0 lead against Real Madrid with impressive goals from Declan Rice. Inter Milan continued their quest for a treble by defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 in a rematch of the 2010 final, putting them in a favorable position for the second leg.
Paris Saint-Germain, considered by many as the most thrilling team remaining after their victory over Liverpool, will face Aston Villa. Aston Villa is enjoying a remarkable run in their first Champions League season in forty years. Meanwhile, Barcelona will clash with a Borussia Dortmund team aiming to replicate last season`s successful journey to the final.
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
| Matchup | James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG vs. Aston Villa | 3-1 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Barcelona vs. Dortmund | 3-2 | 1-1 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 3-1 |
PSG vs. Aston Villa
Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG`s acquisition of the Georgian player in January has significantly elevated their Champions League ambitions. Kvaratskhelia`s dynamic movement across the attack makes PSG more unpredictable and poses a challenge for Aston Villa`s defense. — James Benge
Man of the match: Vitinha – This Portuguese midfielder is a key, often underrated player for the French champions. Vitinha`s strong performances often correlate with PSG`s victories and peak play. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Aston Villa 1 – Having secured the Ligue 1 title, PSG can fully focus on their Champions League campaign. Their previous victory over Liverpool proves their ability to compete at the highest level. Expect them to meet expectations against Aston Villa, who are capable of keeping the match competitive. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele to score (+125) – PSG will aim for a fast start at home, and Dembele`s current form makes him a prime candidate to score early. His prolific scoring in 2025 makes him a key threat, and Aston Villa`s defense may struggle to contain PSG`s attack, allowing Dembele scoring opportunities. — Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Player to watch: Maximilian Beier – A standout forward in the Bundesliga, Beier has been in excellent form recently, including a crucial goal in the previous round. His speed and attacking ability could trouble Barcelona`s defense in a potentially fast-paced game. — James Benge
Man of the match: Raphinha – Despite a recent dip in form, the Brazilian winger remains a top player in Europe. This Champions League match is a perfect opportunity for him to rebound and perform against the German side. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – This quarterfinal match appears to be somewhat uneven given the teams` current forms. Barcelona’s strong attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, should be sufficient, although their defense might concede. Expect Dortmund to score but ultimately lose. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Raphinha to have 2+ shots on target (-105) – The Champions League is where top players shine, and Raphinha is expected to step up for Barcelona. Despite Dortmund`s solid Champions League performance, Raphinha`s ability to shoot from various positions will test their defense. — Chuck Booth
