The Champions League is at its midpoint to the semifinals, and recent Wednesday matches affirmed the status of two top contenders with commanding victories. Barcelona, in particular, can confidently prepare for the semifinals in Milan or Munich after a dominant 4-0 win against Borussia Dortmund, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice against his former club.
In Paris, Paris Saint-Germain overcame an early goal from Aston Villa`s Morgan Rogers thanks to impressive goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvarastkhelia, followed by a late goal from Nuno Mendes. The 3-1 victory was more convincing on the field than the scoreline suggests. While a return leg at Aston Villa remains, Luis Enrique`s team appears well-equipped to handle it.
Arsenal made a significant leap towards their first Champions League semifinal in 16 years on Tuesday, with a remarkable 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice`s pair of stunning free-kick goals rivaled the brilliance of Doue and Kvaratskhelia for the week`s best goals, and Mikel Merino`s goal to extend Arsenal`s lead was also noteworthy.
Lautaro Martinez`s opening goal at the Allianz Arena also deserves mention. Although Thomas Muller equalized for Bayern Munich, Davide Fratessi scored to secure a crucial 2-1 away win for Inter Milan against Bayern Munich. This victory propels Inter higher in our rankings, which you can see in full below.
UCL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSG | +1 | This team looks like a top contender in Europe, and they are certainly exciting to watch, representing a significant shift from previous PSG teams. They press aggressively as a unit and share the offensive responsibilities, demonstrating a clear sense of team spirit. While some might say they lack a superstar, players like Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Vitinha are undeniably exceptional. |
| 2 | Barcelona | -1 | While there might be minor concerns about this team – had Serhou Guirassy been more accurate, their quarterfinal could have been tighter – their attacking firepower is undeniable. Assuming they advance past their current opponent, they will face the likes of Harry Kane and Lautaro next. They might need to rely on outscoring opponents, but with Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri, they likely have the firepower to do so. |
| 3 | Arsenal | +3 | Despite lacking a traditional striker, Mikel Merino is proving effective in a repurposed forward role. While it might not be the most conventional approach, his goals are crucial, with six since moving higher up the pitch. If Jurrien Timber and William Saliba maintain their defensive solidity from Tuesday night, Merino might not need to score many more. |
| 4 | Inter | +1 | There is a noticeable gap after the top three, but Inter is a strong contender. Their 2-1 away victory against Bayern puts them in a favorable position. Inter possesses many qualities of a potential champion: a robust defense, a highly experienced midfield, and a game-changing striker in Lautaro, who is performing at an elite level and can be relied upon to deliver again at the San Siro. |
| 5 | Bayern Munich | -1 | The outcome of their tie with Inter could have been different had Kane converted an early chance. Despite generating numerous shots, they only scored once in the first leg. However, repeating their performance at the San Siro could at least push the tie to extra time. Although they created chances while chasing the game, Vincent Kompany`s team will be the underdogs in the return leg. |
| 6 | Real Madrid | -3 | If any team can overcome a significant deficit at home, it`s likely Real Madrid. With forwards like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, they have the attacking talent for the mission, though they might need some extra help. Even if Madrid scores the required goals, their current defense doesn`t appear capable of keeping a clean sheet. |
| 7 | Aston Villa | +1 | Aston Villa is still in the tie, especially with their strong home record in European competitions. However, PSG seemed to figure them out in the second half of the first leg, effectively neutralizing their crossing attempts. While Emery`s initial strategy might not work in the return leg, he has the tactical flexibility and player quality to adapt. |
| 8 | Borussia Dortmund | -1 | As the lowest-ranked team remaining in the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund faced a challenging matchup against Barcelona, who demonstrated superior Bundesliga-style football. Despite creating opportunities, the overall talent gap was evident at Montjuic. |
Dominic Ashworth