The Champions League quarterfinals are reaching their climax with the second leg matches this midweek. Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa face tough challenges on Tuesday, needing to overturn significant first-leg deficits against Barcelona and PSG respectively. Wednesday will see Real Madrid attempting a comeback against Arsenal, while Inter Milan will defend a narrow lead against Bayern Munich at San Siro.
If any tie remains level after both legs, thirty minutes of extra time will be played, followed by penalties if necessary to determine the winner.
Who will advance to the next round? Here are expert predictions for each game.
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
Dortmund vs. Barcelona
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – Yamal is rapidly approaching world-class status. His dribbling, passing, and striking ability at just 17 years old are truly remarkable. — James Benge
Man of the match: Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona – The former Dortmund striker, Lewandowski, scored twice in the first leg, reaffirming his position as one of the world`s top strikers. His return to Dortmund will be a key storyline. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: FC Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – Barcelona, under their new coach, are expected to secure another victory after their dominant first-leg win and advance to the semifinals, likely facing either Inter or Bayern Munich. — Francesco Porzio
Aston Villa vs. PSG
Player to watch: Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain – PSG`s attack is potent, but can their defense hold up? Marquinhos` leadership in defense will be crucial in securing their passage to the next round. — James Benge
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa – Rashford has an opportunity to prove his resurgence against PSG, a team that previously showed interest in signing him. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2 – Aston Villa has the attacking threat to trouble PSG, but overcoming a three-goal deficit from the first leg seems unlikely. If they were to achieve a comeback, they would face the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal tie. — Francesco Porzio
Inter vs. Bayern Munich
Player to watch: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich – Kane aims to secure major silverware with Bayern, and these Champions League knockout games are where he needs to make the difference. — James Benge
Man of the match: Yann Sommer, Inter – Sommer`s outstanding performance in the first leg was crucial for Inter`s victory. Inter will need him to be at his best again to secure a semifinal spot. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Inter 1, Bayern Munich 1 – Bayern faces a difficult task to overturn the first-leg loss, especially with injuries. Inter is favored to advance to the semifinals, potentially setting up a rematch with Barcelona, reminiscent of their 2009-10 Champions League winning season. — Francesco Porzio
Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
Player to watch: Jurrien Timber, Arsenal – While Saliba received praise for Arsenal`s defense in the first leg, Timber`s contribution at right-back was equally significant. His ability to contain Real Madrid`s attack will be vital. — James Benge
Man of the match: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid – Vinicius Jr. needs to deliver a top performance if Real Madrid are to mount a comeback against Arsenal after a heavy first-leg defeat. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 0 – Real Madrid is known for comebacks, but overturning a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal will be extremely challenging, even at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, with Real Madrid, anything is possible. — Francesco Porzio
