Only four teams are left in this year`s UEFA Champions League, with the semifinals kicking off at the end of April. Arsenal will play against Paris Saint-Germain as both teams aim for their first Champions League title. Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Barcelona will clash in a match between European powerhouses.
Just 180 minutes, or perhaps more, remain before we know who will compete in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at Munich`s Allianz Arena on May 31. Before we get there, let`s rank the possible final combinations now that the semifinal pairings are set.
4. PSG vs. Inter
This matchup would still be very exciting. While it might be considered the `least` exciting potential final, it would still be a fantastic game. PSG would be trying to finish their long-term project, similar to Manchester City`s success a couple of seasons ago. Inter, having been finalists two seasons prior, have maintained their high level, making clever signings like Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer.
PSG has improved significantly in recent months, evolving from being considered outsiders to serious contenders. Despite losing Kylian Mbappe, they have gotten better. Players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have brought flair, Joao Neves is a highly underrated midfielder, Ousmane Dembele is finally performing to his potential, and Bradley Barcola shows superstar potential. Combined with their existing talent, this final could be full of exciting plays and goals.
3. PSG vs. Barca
This matchup is packed with interesting storylines. Dembele previously played for Barcelona, and PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, managed the iconic Barcelona team with Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. Barcelona`s manager, Hansi Flick, was Bayern Munich`s coach when they defeated PSG in the Champions League final during the pandemic. Both teams have incredibly talented squads, suggesting a high-scoring final, possibly 4-3, as their defenses aren`t their strongest point.
This final would showcase top young talent, especially Barcelona`s Lamine Yamal, who has an impressive number of goals and assists this season. He would be aiming to follow up his success at the Euros last summer by leading Barcelona back to the top of European football, a position they haven`t held for a decade.
2. Arsenal vs. Inter
This is a compelling contest between two major clubs with a rich history in European competitions. Inter has won the Champions League three times, but with the changing landscape of football, particularly the financial dominance of English clubs and the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, there`s been a question of when an Italian team could again reach the top. Inter, with their dynamic and well-organized team, might be the one. Having reached the final before, they would aim to use that experience, while Arsenal would be completing a remarkable journey to the final, which few predicted given their injury problems.
With players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard facing off against Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and others, this game has the potential to be a tactical battle, but also full of speed and skill that could lead to amazing moments.
1. Barcelona vs. Arsenal
How could this not be the top choice? It`s been almost 20 years since Arsenal and Barcelona played in the 2006 final in Paris. Sol Campbell`s goal gave Arsenal hope, even after Jens Lehmann`s early red card. However, goals from Samuel Eto`o and Juliano Belletti gave Barcelona their second Champions League title, their first since 1992. Both teams have been working to return to this level, achieving it faster than many expected. Not long ago, Barcelona`s financial troubles seemed to limit their European ambitions, while Arsenal were rebuilding under Mikel Arteta. But both have shown this season that they have the potential, with Barcelona capable of dominant wins and Arsenal able to shut down Real Madrid over two legs.
For Arsenal fans, that 2006 final is filled with `what ifs` due to the red card. This is a chance for redemption against a team that brings back painful memories. It`s an opportunity to create a new chapter in their history against a Barcelona team that, while experienced, also has many young players new to this level of competition.
Imagine Saka, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal on the wings for 90 minutes. A fast-paced, end-to-end game between these two would be a dream for football fans.
Dominic Ashworth