The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals began this week with several top European clubs vying for the prestigious title.
Arsenal made a strong statement, taking a 3-0 lead against Real Madrid in their first leg, aiming for their first semifinal appearance in 19 years. Inter Milan also impressed, defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 on the road in a rematch of the 2010 final, putting them in a favorable position for the return leg.
Paris Saint-Germain, after eliminating Liverpool, is considered a leading contender with their exciting young team under Luis Enrique. Aston Villa is making a remarkable run in their first Champions League season in four decades. Barcelona is set to face a Borussia Dortmund side looking to replicate last season`s journey to the final.
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
| Matchup | James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
PSG vs. Aston Villa
Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG`s January signing has significantly boosted their Champions League ambitions, making them strong contenders for the title. His versatile attacking presence adds unpredictability to PSG`s offense and poses a challenge for Aston Villa`s defense.
Man of the match: Vitinha – This Portuguese midfielder is a key, often underrated player for PSG. His strong performances often correlate with PSG`s victories and best play.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Aston Villa 1 – With the Ligue 1 title secured, PSG can fully focus on the Champions League. Their victory over Liverpool in the previous round proves their competitiveness against Europe`s elite. Expect them to meet expectations against Aston Villa, who are capable of keeping the match competitive.
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele to score (+125) – PSG is expected to start aggressively at home, and Dembele`s current form makes him a prime candidate to score. His prolific scoring in 2025 suggests he will be a key threat, and Aston Villa`s defense may struggle to contain PSG`s numerous attackers.
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Player to watch: Maximilian Beier – A standout forward in the Bundesliga, Beier has been in excellent form recently and was crucial in Dortmund`s previous Champions League victory. His speed and attacking ability could trouble Barcelona`s defense in a potentially fast-paced game.
Man of the match: Raphinha – Despite a recent dip in form, Raphinha has been a top performer for Barcelona this season. This Champions League match is a perfect opportunity for him to rebound and showcase his abilities against Dortmund.
Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – This quarterfinal appears to be unevenly matched based on current form. Barcelona`s strong attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, should be sufficient, although Dortmund is likely to score as well.
Best bet: Raphinha to have 2+ shots on target (-105) – The Champions League is the stage for top players to shine, and Raphinha is expected to rise to the occasion for Barcelona. Dortmund`s defense will face a significant challenge in containing Raphinha`s shots from various positions.
Dominic Ashworth