The Champions League quarterfinals are here, featuring Europe`s top teams vying for the ultimate club prize.
Defending champions Real Madrid aim for their 16th title, facing Arsenal, who haven`t reached the semifinals in almost two decades. Real Madrid is among the contenders for a treble, along with Barcelona. They will play Borussia Dortmund in their quarterfinal match.
Inter Milan is also chasing a treble and will play Bayern Munich in a rematch of the 2010 final, a classic European showdown. Paris Saint-Germain, after defeating Liverpool, and Aston Villa, in their first Champions League season in 40 years, complete the quarterfinal lineup.
Champions League Quarterfinals Matchups
| Matchup | James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern vs. Inter | 2-0 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 |
| Arsenal vs. Real Madrid | 1-0 | 1-2 | 2-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| PSG vs. Aston Villa | 3-1 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Barcelona vs. Dortmund | 3-2 | 1-1 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 3-1 |
Bayern Munich vs. Inter
Player to watch: Leroy Sane – Sane`s performance is key for Bayern. With his contract nearing its end, this could be his last Champions League game at Allianz Arena. — James Benge
Man of the match: Lautaro Martinez – Martinez, Inter`s captain, is crucial for his team. He recently returned from injury and is expected to start. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Bayern Munich 0, Inter 1 – Inter`s consistency makes them tough to beat, especially against an inconsistent Bayern dealing with injuries. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Under 2.5 goals scored (-110) – Expect a tight, defensive game, typical of Inter matches, especially in the first leg. — Chuck Booth
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
Player to watch: Martin Odegaard – Odegaard faces his former team but hasn`t been at his peak form recently due to injury. This is his chance to shine. — James Benge
Man of the match: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe is anticipated to have a significant impact for Real Madrid. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Real Madrid 2 – Despite Arsenal`s strong Champions League run, injuries, especially to Gabriel, give Real Madrid an edge. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Real Madrid to win (+220) – Real Madrid, even with La Liga struggles and playing away, are a good bet given Arsenal`s defensive issues. — Chuck Booth
PSG vs. Aston Villa
Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Kvaratskhelia`s arrival has significantly boosted PSG`s Champions League ambitions, making them strong contenders. — James Benge
Man of the match: Vitinha – Vitinha is a key, often underrated player for PSG. His good performances often lead to PSG victories. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Aston Villa 1 – With the Ligue 1 title secured, PSG can fully focus on the Champions League and are expected to overcome Aston Villa. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele to score (+125) – Dembele`s current form makes him a likely scorer in this match as PSG aims for a strong home start. — Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Player to watch: Maximilian Beier – Beier, in great Bundesliga form, could pose a significant threat to Barcelona`s defense. — James Benge
Man of the match: Raphinha – Raphinha needs to bounce back after a quiet game and Champions League is the perfect stage to do so. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – Barcelona, with strong attackers, are expected to win against Dortmund, although Dortmund may still score. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Raphinha to have 2+ shots on target (-105) – Raphinha is expected to step up in the Champions League and test Dortmund`s defense. — Chuck Booth
Dominic Ashworth