This week marks the start of the UEFA Champions League semifinals, bringing together Europe`s top four remaining teams for the first leg. These elite clubs will battle it out to secure their path to the final, scheduled for May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The pursuit of a treble remains alive for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Both teams have already lifted domestic silverware this season and are widely seen as strong contenders for Europe`s premier club trophy. However, their route to the Munich final requires overcoming two other formidable teams with their own ambitions: Arsenal and Inter.
Arsenal, making their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 16 years, will host PSG on Tuesday. This follows their impressive quarterfinal victory over reigning champions Real Madrid. On the other hand, Inter will visit Barcelona aiming to rebound from a recent dip in form. Simone Inzaghi`s side is currently on a four-game winless streak, having been eliminated from the Coppa Italia and potentially falling out of contention for the Serie A title.
Ahead of the Champions League semifinals, here`s a breakdown of key information:
How to Watch
Live coverage of the first legs of the Champions League semifinals will be available on CBS and Paramount+. This includes pre-match and post-match analysis shows. Additional viewing options like a `Star Cam` will be available on CBS Sports Golazo Network during both matches. Post-game coverage on both days will feature The Champions Club and Scoreline on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Wednesday`s coverage will also include an episode of Kickin` It on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Semifinals TV Schedule
(All times U.S./Eastern)
| TUESDAY, APRIL 29 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 6 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Kickin` It | 9 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Storylines for the Semifinals
1. Treble Watch for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
The list of teams potentially winning a treble has narrowed from four to two: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. While this might be unexpected for some based on the season`s start, both teams have successfully navigated challenges to reach the semifinals and are considered favorites.
Despite facing financial difficulties, Barcelona are favored by oddsmakers. Key players like Lamine Yamal, emerging as a potential star, and Raphinha, having a standout season, have impressed. However, they will miss their top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, due to injury. Although they managed a recent Copa del Rey win without him, the match against Inter presents another tough test.
Paris Saint-Germain, under Luis Enrique, have adapted well to his distinct tactical approach, making them a challenging opponent. Having secured the Ligue 1 title, their focus shifts to facing a strong Arsenal side and reaching the Champions League final for the first time in five years. Achieving this would exceed expectations for a season many anticipated would be a transition phase following Kylian Mbappe`s departure.
2. Arsenal`s Semifinal Return
Arsenal enters the Champions League semifinals with their full focus on this competition, as it represents their last opportunity for silverware this season. Their potential success is debated; they boast a strong defense, key to their dominant quarterfinal win against Real Madrid. However, a consistent, clinical goalscorer has been lacking, potentially hindering their Premier League challenge. Mikel Arteta`s side faces pressure, as failure to win the Champions League could raise questions about whether they have reached their ceiling.
3. Inter`s Downward Turn
In contrast to the other semifinalists who seem to have momentum, Inter has recently struggled. Within a week, their hopes of a treble diminished significantly due to poor domestic results. They were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by AC Milan and have fallen behind in the Serie A title race amid a four-game winless streak. A key question is how Inter will balance their Champions League and Serie A campaigns, and whether they can realistically compete for either trophy given their current form.
