The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set, featuring a collection of highly talented and successful teams, most of whom have already tasted victory in this prestigious tournament.
Real Madrid, the current champions and record holders with 15 titles, are once again contenders after overcoming Atletico Madrid in the previous round. Bayern Munich and Barcelona, also giants of the Champions League with six and five titles respectively, are in the quarterfinals aiming to add to their impressive trophy collections. Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, each with one title, are also hoping for significant progress in the competition, especially Dortmund after reaching last year`s final.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are among the quarterfinalists still seeking their first Champions League title. Both teams have come close in recent decades, losing finals to established winners, and they hope to avoid a similar outcome this season.
Champions League Quarterfinal Matchups
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
The two-leg matches are scheduled to take place from April 8th to April 16th.
Bayern Munich
Best finish: Champions (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020) – Bayern Munich`s consistent performance has cemented their status as a European powerhouse, boasting six Champions League titles, placing them third in all-time wins. Their latest triumph was five years ago, defeating PSG 1-0 with a goal from Kingsley Coman.
Journey to this stage: Bayern`s path to the quarterfinals has been somewhat inconsistent. Their group stage included a dominant 8-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb but also defeats against Barcelona and Feyenoord. They secured their quarterfinal spot more convincingly with a 5-0 aggregate win against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Winning prospects: Bayern Munich`s chances are uncertain. Despite a strong Bundesliga lead under new manager Vincent Kompany, inconsistencies in their performances, particularly in earlier Champions League matches, raise questions about their true strength. The quarterfinal clash against Inter will be a crucial test of their title credentials.
Inter
Best finish: Champions (1964, 1965, 2010) – Inter is another European giant with a history of success, although their last Champions League victory was 15 years ago in 2010 against Bayern Munich. This past victory might be on their minds as they face Bayern again in the quarterfinals. In 2010, Inter achieved the treble, a feat they could repeat this season as they are still in contention for Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.
Journey to this stage: Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter has shown remarkable consistency across all competitions, including the Champions League. They performed strongly in the group stage and progressed to the round of 16, where they comfortably defeated Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate.
Winning prospects: Inter could be a dark horse contender. With a well-organized team led by exciting players like Thuram and Martinez, and recent experience as 2023 Champions League finalists and reigning Serie A champions, they are a formidable opponent. Their success may depend on player fitness and upcoming matchups, but they are capable of challenging any team and are a serious contender.
Arsenal
Best finish: Runners-up (2006) – Arsenal`s best Champions League performance was reaching the final nearly two decades ago, where they lost 2-1 to Barcelona. Since then, their European campaigns have been less successful, failing to reach the quarterfinals again until now. They face a tough challenge against Real Madrid in this quarterfinal.
Journey to this stage: Arsenal has had a relatively smooth Champions League season, performing well in the group stage and impressively defeating PSV 7-1 in the first leg of the round of 16, making the second leg a formality.
Winning prospects: Pressure is on manager Mikel Arteta to prove Arsenal`s title contender status. With the Premier League title looking difficult, the Champions League is their main focus. However, facing Real Madrid, especially with potential injuries impacting the squad, presents a significant hurdle. Despite the odds, a surprise victory in the quarterfinals could change their outlook.
Real Madrid
Best finish: Champions (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) – Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League. The 15-time champions consistently contend for the trophy, and their triumph last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, highlighted their ability to win even when not at their best, making them favorites again this year.
Journey to this stage: Real Madrid`s campaign had some early concerns with losses in the group stage. However, they recovered to finish respectably and then defeated Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs, reasserting their contender status. The round of 16 against Atletico Madrid was tighter, requiring penalties to advance, but showed signs of Real Madrid hitting peak form at the right time.
Winning prospects: Despite some flaws, Real Madrid remains a top contender. While they may have attacking balance issues and a somewhat vulnerable defense, their experience and individual brilliance often lead to victory. They are considered favorites to win the Champions League once again.
Barcelona
Best finish: Champions (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – Barcelona is another historically significant European club, with four of their five Champions League titles won in a decade, including two under Pep Guardiola. After a decade since their last win, they are showing resurgence under Hansi Flick, becoming intriguing contenders this season.
Journey to this stage: Barcelona had a strong group stage, finishing close to the top and notably defeating Bayern Munich 4-1. This victory highlighted their contender status and marked a breakthrough for Raphinha. They continued their form in the round of 16, defeating Benfica comfortably.
Winning prospects: Barcelona might be considered favorites to win the Champions League this season. Despite ongoing financial issues, on-field performances have improved significantly under Flick, with key players like Raphinha and Lewandowski in good form, and the emergence of young talents. Winning the Champions League would be a fitting way to mark the 10-year anniversary of their last title.
Borussia Dortmund
Best finish: Champions (1997) – Borussia Dortmund`s only Champions League title was nearly three decades ago. Despite not winning again, they have reached the final twice in the last 12 years, losing to Bayern Munich in 2013 and Real Madrid last year.
Journey to this stage: Dortmund`s season has been inconsistent, with losses in the group stage. A managerial change to Niko Kovac has brought some stability in European competitions. They progressed through the knockout phase playoffs and a close round of 16 tie with Lille.
Winning prospects: Dortmund`s chances of winning the Champions League are slim. Facing a strong Barcelona team and struggling domestically in the Bundesliga, their focus might be divided. While they had a memorable run to the final last season, repeating that success seems unlikely this year.
Paris Saint-Germain
Best finish: Finalists (2020) – The Champions League is PSG`s primary goal since Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011. They reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich. After a mixed history in the competition, their recent victory against Liverpool suggests they could be strong contenders.
Journey to this stage: PSG faced a tough group stage and experienced inconsistency, but still qualified for the knockout phase playoffs. They convincingly defeated Brest and then made a statement by eliminating Liverpool in the round of 16, showcasing their potential.
Winning prospects: PSG is a dark horse contender. With a relatively young team, they may lack established stars but have found cohesion, especially after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s arrival. They might be favored in their quarterfinal but face tough competition ahead. Winning the Champions League would require a significant effort from this young team.
Aston Villa
Best finish: Champions (1982) – Aston Villa`s historical highlight is winning the 1982 European Cup against Bayern Munich. Returning to the final has been challenging, as this is only their second Champions League appearance since 1982. They have already matched their quarterfinal run from 1983.
Journey to this stage: Aston Villa`s return to the Champions League after four decades has been notable. They performed well in the group stage and comfortably defeated Club Brugge in the round of 16.
Winning prospects: A Champions League victory seems unlikely for Aston Villa this season. Despite talent and improvements with signings like Rashford and Ascensio, their competitiveness against Europe`s elite is still uncertain. The quarterfinal against PSG will be a test, but it may be too soon for them to be considered serious title contenders.
