Champions League 2024–2025 predictions: First legs of the quarterfinals

Although the slander was justified, the Champions League is back to show that this sport isn’t as horrible as it seems. This tournament has always provided entertainment, and some of the most dramatic moments in modern football have been made possible by the grand sense of occasion on major European nights.

Now, the melodrama is usually reserved for the return legs, and these four quarterfinal matches will undoubtedly provide the neutral with plenty of what they desire. Although the first legs serve only as teasers for the action that will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, that doesn’t mean the action will be dull. No.

Tuesday 8 April

Though their season hinges on these two games against the defending Champions League champions, Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title are still alive. This is Real Madrid’s first trip to the Emirates and the Gunners’ first competitive meeting in nearly two decades.

When the north Londoners defeated the ‘Galacticos’ on their way to the 2005–06 final, Bukayo Saka, who is back, will try to bring out the best in Thierry Henry as they play a talented but vulnerable Madrid team.

From Arsenal’s point of view, this duel is extremely difficult because they perceive that they must win in N5 in order to advance, and Madrid is synonymous with this competition.

Bayern Munich vs. Inter evokes a picture of Diego Milito wheeling away in ecstatic joy; the Argentine’s brace at the Bernabeu sealed Champions League glory for the Nerazzurri in 2010.

Although they have faced each other multiple times since, this is the first knockout match between two of Europe’s most prestigious clubs since 2011. With Bayern on track to reclaim their Bundesliga title and Inter hoping to hold onto the Scudetto, both teams are at the top of their respective divisions.

Given that Tuesday’s hosts have suffered greatly from injuries in recent weeks, Inter may ultimately benefit from a coaching mismatch on the sidelines.

Wednesday 9 April

This season, Barcelona has already played Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Hansi Flick’s team won 3-2, moving them up to second place in the league phase table.

Barca is now trying to earn their first semi-final berth in this competition since 2019 after eluding Benfica. Since their historic collapse at Anfield, they have lost three times in this round.

Niko Kovac is in charge of controlling this incredible Barcelona team, even though Real Betis stopped their winning streak over the weekend. Dortmund has improved under the new manager and defeated Lille in the round of 16 with great style. As they enter the second leg at home, they will hope to still be in the tie.

Luis Enrique wants to end Paris Saint-Germain’sChampionsLeague slumber after the team was crowned French champions over the weekend. Despite never having won this tournament, many people believe they are currently the best team on the continent.

Although PSG defeated Liverpool on penalties in the round of 16, this quarterfinal match could be a banana skin. The master of knockout competition, former manager Unai Emery, will be eager to defeat the favored Parisians in two legs.

After defeating Club Brugge both at home and away in the round of 16, Aston Villa will visit the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.