What to Look Out for in the Champions League Quarter Finals?
by Steve Ashfield | by Steve Ashfield
Great Ties on the Way in the Champions League Quarter Finals
The draw for both the quarter and semi-finals of the Champions League have been made. We could see an El Clasico final or even an all-Bundesliga Champions League final. There won’t be two English Premier League sides in the final at Wembley in June. That’s because Arsenal could face Manchester City in the last four. Here's the all-important draws:
Quarter FInal Draw
- Arsenal v Bayern Munich
- Atletico Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
- PSG v Barcelona
- Real Madrid v Manchester City
Semi Final Draw
- Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund v PSG/Barcelona
- Arsenal/Bayern Munich v Real Madrid/Manchester City
City Have to Get Past Real Madrid Again
Manchester City had a straightforward tie in the last 16. The defending champions beat Copenhagen with each leg ending in a 3-1 win for City. That means they’ve now won all eight of their matches in this season’s Champions League and their last ten altogether. Pep Guardiola’s side is unbeaten in their last 21 matches in this competition.
That last Champions League loss was away at Real Madrid in 2022 and that saw them knocked out of the Champions League. They got revenge last season and now again have to face them. The first leg is due to be played on April 9 in Madrid with the return fixture eight days later.
City are chasing a second successive Premier League/FA Cup/Champions League treble. They've already won the European Super Cup and World Club Cup this season. While Erling Haaland hasn't been as prolific this season, he's still the top scorer in this competition and the Premier League. Phil Foden (above) is also in excellent form and Pep Guardiola's team will be confident of progressing.
Real Madrid are in the last eight for the fourth season in a row. They beat RB Leipzig 2-1 in the last 16. Not since 2004 have they been beaten in a Champions League quarter final. Jude Bellingham has been a revelation for them this season and now he returns to his native England to try and get Real into the quarter finals.
A good home result in the first leg is imperative for Real. Their last two Champions League visits to the Etihad have seen them concede four goals, losing 4-0 last season. Don't forget to read all of our Champions League betting tips.
Kane Out to Reach the Last Four
The winners of this tie will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. We could therefore see an all Premier League clash in the last four but Harry Kane of Bayern Munich won't be wanting that to happen.
Bayern don't look like winning the Bundesliga this season but would love to win the Champions League. Away form is going to be important for both sides in this quarter final. Arsenal have already lost twice on the road in this season's Champions League. Munich lost at Lazio in the last round.
The Gunners needed a penalty shootout to get past Porto in the last 16 and Harry Kane may fancy his chances against his former North London rivals. Arsenal host the home leg on April 9th and go to Germany on the 17th. You can check out all the Champions League betting odds on our site.
Barca Back in the Last Eight
Barcelona are finally back in the quarter finals of the Champions League. After failing to get out of the group stages in the past two seasons, Barca managed that and then beat Napoli in the last 16. Not since 2020 have they made it through to the semi-finals.
They take on PSG in what should be a sensational tie. The first leg is being played at PSG on April 10th and the French side will want a good result to take to Barcelona six days later.
The Ligue 1 champions had few problems getting past Real Sociedad in the last 16. In his final season with the club, Kylian Mbappe scored three goals in tha tie, including two in the away second leg. Only three times have they made it to the last four of the Champions League.
Waiting for the winner in the semi-finals will be either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund. Atletico trailed 2-0 in their last 16 tie against Inter and eventually needed penalties to qualify. Their home form is strong and they'll need to maintain that in the first leg on April 10th with the return six days later.
Borussia Dortmund last reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2013. They beat PSV in the last round after topping Group F. A close tie with Atletico is expected. Check out our Champions League livescore for all the news and updated statistics to help you with your live bets.
Odds to win the Champions League
- Manchester CIty, odds of 2.50
- Arsenal, odds of 6.00
- Real Madrid, odds of 7.00
- Bayern Munich, odds of 8.00
- PSG, odds of 9.00
- Barcelona, odds of 11.00
- Atletico Madrid, odds of 13.00
- Borussia Dortmund, odds of 26,00
Odds from bet365
