The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals second legs are upon us this midweek. On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund will play Barcelona, and Aston Villa will host PSG. Both Dortmund and Aston Villa face significant deficits from the first leg. On Wednesday, Real Madrid aims for a comeback against Arsenal, and Inter welcomes Bayern Munich to San Siro with a narrow lead.
If the aggregate score is tied after regular time, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by penalty kicks if needed.
Here are expert predictions for these matches:
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
Dortmund vs. Barcelona
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – Yamal`s potential to become the world`s best player is evident. His dribbling, passing, and striking abilities are remarkable for a 17-year-old. — James Benge
Man of the match: Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona – The former Borussia Dortmund striker, Lewandowski, scored twice in the first leg, reaffirming his status as a top striker. His return to Dortmund is a key storyline. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: FC Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, is expected to secure another win after their 4-0 first-leg victory and advance to the semifinals against either Inter or Bayern Munich. — Francesco Porzio
Aston Villa vs. PSG
Player to watch: Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain – PSG`s attack is Champions League caliber, but can their defense hold up? Marquinhos` leadership will be crucial in shielding the defense. — James Benge
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa – Aston Villa hosts PSG after a 3-1 first-leg defeat. Marcus Rashford, on loan at Villa, has an opportunity to shine against PSG, a team that previously sought to sign him. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2 – Aston Villa has the offensive capability to challenge PSG, but overcoming a three-goal deficit is unlikely. Should they achieve a comeback, they would face either Real Madrid or Arsenal in the next round. — Francesco Porzio
Inter vs. Bayern Munich
Player to watch: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich – Kane is expected to win silverware soon, but Bayern brought him in to make a difference in crucial Champions League matches. His performance on Wednesday will be vital. — James Benge
Man of the match: Yann Sommer, Inter – Sommer`s standout performance in the first leg contributed to Inter`s 2-1 victory in Munich. Inter will need his best again to secure a semifinal spot. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Inter 1, Bayern Munich 1 – Bayern faces an uphill battle due to injuries and the first-leg loss against last year`s Champions League finalists. Inter is favored to advance and potentially face Barcelona in the semifinals, reminiscent of their 2009-10 Treble-winning season under Jose Mourinho. — 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 was equally effective. His ability to neutralize Bellingham and Vinicius Junior will be key to preventing a Real Madrid comeback. — James Benge
Man of the match: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid – Vinicius Jr. needs to perform at his peak if Real Madrid is to overcome a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal. Despite his seven Champions League goals this season, a defeat here would be a major career disappointment. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 0 – Real Madrid has the potential for comebacks, but overcoming Arsenal`s lead will be challenging, especially with injuries impacting the team. However, at the Santiago Bernabeu, anything is possible. — Francesco Porzio
Dominic Ashworth