Happy Friday! The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals wrapped up dramatically on Wednesday, and even though the competition is on hold, there`s still much to anticipate as the quest for European trophies enters its final weeks. This weekend update will keep you in the loop.
โฝ The Forward Line
๐ช๐บ And then there were four
The UEFA Champions League semifinals are now set. Arsenal eliminated reigning champions Real Madrid with a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory, and Inter secured their spot in the final four with a 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich.
The Gunners` dominant performance began with a setback when Thibaut Courtois saved Bukayo Saka`s penalty. A lengthy VAR review in the first half overturned a Real Madrid penalty, but Arsenal maintained control and sealed the win with late goals. Saka compensated for his missed penalty by scoring the opening goal in the 66th minute. Although Vinicius Junior responded for Los Blancos a minute later, it wasn`t enough for a team needing three more goals to equalize. Gabriel Martinelli`s goal in stoppage time confirmed Arsenal`s victory, marking their first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009. James Benge notes that this win validates manager Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal vision, which prioritizes team unity over Real Madrid`s individual star power.
- Benge: `This victory highlighted system over individual brilliance. For five years, Mikel Arteta has cultivated a team that defends collectively and effectively. The possibility of a comeback didn`t faze them. They had a strategy to defeat Madrid and executed it. Arsenal comfortably dropped into a 4-4-2 formation, conceding the flanks but trusting Jurrien Timber and [Myles] Lewis-Skelly in their individual battles. When Madrid lost possession, which occurred frequently, Gabriel Martinelli was ready to counter.`
Inter`s match against Bayern was closely contested until the end, but the Italian team secured their second semifinal appearance in three years, reinforcing their ambition to win the competition. Similar to how Arsenal`s win reflected Arteta`s impact, Francesco Porzio suggests that Inter`s ongoing European success under Simone Inzaghi since 2021 underscores his positive influence on the team.
- Porzio: `Despite financial challenges from previous ownership that led to player sales like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, Inter immediately displayed a distinct character in European competitions. โฆ Inzaghi`s tenure at Inter includes one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles in three years, but winning the Champions League would undoubtedly be his greatest achievement.`
In the Champions League semifinals, Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain, while Inter will play Barcelona. The Europa League semifinals feature Tottenham Hotspur against Bodo/Glimt and Athletic Club versus Manchester United. The Conference League semifinals will see Chelsea against Djurgarden and Real Betis against Fiorentina.
๐ Midfield Link Play
๐ Title chase continues across Europe
With only a few weeks remaining in the European season, several title races are nearing their conclusion this weekend. Champions League semifinalists Barcelona, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain are still in contention for a treble.
PSG has already secured the domestic title in their league, becoming the first team in Europe`s top five leagues to do so this month. Liverpool could potentially join them as early as Sunday. The Reds currently hold a 13-point lead over second-place Arsenal with six games left, making their title win seem inevitable. Liverpool could mathematically clinch the title this weekend, although it`s unlikely. Arsenal would need to lose to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town for Liverpool to secure the title with a win against Leicester City.
In Spain and Germany, Barcelona and Bayern Munich can solidify their strong positions in their respective domestic leagues. Barcelona leads Real Madrid by four points and are expected to maintain this lead when they play Celta Vigo on Saturday. Bayern Munich, with a six-point advantage over Bayer Leverkusen, are also likely to win their weekend match against Heidenheim, who are fighting to avoid relegation. Neither team is expected to win the title outright this weekend, but both appear to be in control and need to perform well to keep their challengers at bay.
Italy`s title race remains the most competitive in Europe with six games remaining. Inter holds a narrow three-point lead over Napoli. This weekend is crucial, with Napoli expected to easily defeat Monza, while Inter faces a tougher challenge against fifth-placed Bologna, who have impressed under manager Vincenzo Italiano. This game is sandwiched between Inter`s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday and their upcoming Coppa Italia semifinal second leg against AC Milan, with the aggregate score at 1-1. Inter manager Simone Inzaghi faces significant team selection decisions, especially as they aim for a treble.
๐ Top Stories
๐ฌ๐ฆ RIP Aaron Boupendza: Former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza passed away at 28 after falling from a building in China, where he played for Zhejiang FC.
๐ช๐บ UCL rewind: Following the quarterfinals, here are updated power rankings for the remaining Champions League teams and a ranking of potential finals.
๐ฎ Real Madrid`s future: Carlo Ancelotti`s future at Real Madrid is uncertain, and their loss to Arsenal highlighted their need for Trent Alexander-Arnold, reportedly a summer target.
๐ฌ Beckham on Arsenal: David Beckham praised Arsenal after their Champions League victory over Real Madrid but won`t support them against his former club Paris Saint-Germain.
๐ด Van Dijk stays: Virgil van Dijk signed a new contract with Liverpool shortly after Mohamed Salah, ensuring the veterans remain at the club for several more years.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Championship preview: A look ahead at this weekend`s Championship matches, where several teams are vying for Premier League promotion.
๐ Open Cup draw: The U.S. Open Cup round of 32 is set, featuring Sacramento Republic against the San Jose Earthquakes as a highlight.
๐ฐ The Back Line
๐ต Best bets
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Premier League: Everton vs. Manchester City, Saturday, 10 a.m.
๐ฐ THE PICK: Everton and Manchester City to tie 1-1 (+600) โ England`s potential extra Champions League spot means the race for the top five will be tight. Manchester City, currently fifth, hasn`t secured their Champions League place yet. Without Erling Haaland, a challenging game at Goodison Park is likely. Expect a draw that could be crucial for the top five race. -
Premier League: Fulham vs. Chelsea, Sunday, 9 a.m.
๐ฐ THE PICK: Fulham and Chelsea to tie 1-1 (+550) โ If City drops points, Chelsea has a chance to move into the top five, being just one point behind. However, Chelsea, like many teams this season, has been inconsistent, winning only five of their last 15 league games. Fulham is competitive and could challenge Chelsea, suggesting the top five race will remain undecided this weekend.
For more picks, predictions, expert tips and the latest betting news, don`t miss out on CBSSports.com`s betting home page.
๐บ What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
โ๏ธ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): Join Golazo Network for highlights, interviews and major soccer stories on their flagship morning show. Morning Footy is also available as a podcast.
3๏ธโฃ Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): A live studio show covering the NWSL season, USWNT, and European women`s soccer. Watch live streams Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. ET on YouTube, with a Sunday wrap-up.
โฝ Call it What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A weekly podcast with Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola discussing USMNT and U.S. soccer. Live streams on YouTube Mondays at 1 p.m. ET and Thursdays at 6 p.m. ET.
๐ฅ Scoreline (Daily): A daily show with global football news, results, match highlights, and top goals.
๐บ How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel with soccer coverage. Stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV and Paramount+.
