Who can progress to the Champions League semi-finals?
by Steve Ashfield | by Steve Ashfield
All to Play For in the Quarter-Finals
Just who will reach the Champions League semi-finals? That's a question that football fans all over Europe have been asking ever since the draw was made. We're not too much closer to knowing the qualifiers after the first legs of the quarter-finals. Two of the ties are level and the others have just one goal between them. Let's take a look at who might progress to the semi-finals of Europe's top club competition.
Barcelona Back in the Game
Not since 2019 has Barcelona reached the last four of the Champions League. That may well change on Tuesday April 16 as they host PSG in the second leg of the quarter-finals.
They go into the home leg with a 3-2 lead after a stunning comeback in Paris. The La Liga side were 2-1 down in the second half but rallied to get the win. Their home form is strong and they will be confident of making it into the semi-finals. That round would see them face either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.
PSG are still longing for that moment when they lift the Champions League trophy. They have to pick themselves up after losing that second half lead in the first leg. Their away form in this season's competition hasn't been that great with losses in Milan and Newcastle. An almighty effort will be needed to reach the semi-finals. Follow all the latest news on our Champions League livescore.
Close Game Expected in Dortmund
A late goal can often totally change a match. That was the case in the first leg of this Champions League tie. Atletico were going strong at 2-0 at home to Borussia Dortmund. They'd have loved to score a third goal but it was not to be. Instead the Bundesliga side pulled a goal back in the 81st minute.
That late goal puts a whole new complexion on this quarter-final tie. Dortmund haven't lost a home Champions League game since 2021. A tight match could well be on the cards with their last seven home games in this competition all having under 2.5 goals scored.
Atletico have only won one of their last eight away games in the Champions League. A draw will take them into the last four and that might just be what they aim for in what looks like being an intriguing match. Read all the Champions League odds on this site.
City Out to Reach the Last Four Again
Manchester City are in no mood to lose their grip on the Champions League trophy they won last season. Pep Guardiola's side are on a long unbeaten run and are back on top of the English Premier League. On Wednesday April 17 they host Real Madrid in a mouth-watering clash between two European giants.
If this second leg is anything like the first in Madrid, we're in for a royal treat. That game ebbed and flowed and ended in a 3-3 draw. Now City have home advantage and in recent years have had excellent results at the Etihad against Real. Last season saw them put on a master display to win 4-0.
Real Madrid have an incredible Champions League record. They will be kicking themselves for not holding onto the lead that they had in the first leg. A thrilling game certainly looks on the way on Wednesday. You can read more about each of our Champions League predictions to help you with your bets.
Advantage Bayern
It's going to be a tense night in Munich on Wednesday April 17. Both Bayern Munich and Arsenal led at one stage in the first leg at the Emirates. It was the Gunners who needed a late goal to draw the match 2-2. Now we're set for the second leg and it promises to be a great match.
Bayern Munich's grip on the Bundesliga title was finally loosened last weekend. Bayer Leverkusen won the title but could Bayern win the Champions League. The winners of this tie face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the last four, so it's a tough route to the final for both Bayern and Arsenal.
The Bundesliga side haven't lost a home Champions League match since 2021 and will be a tough nut to crack. Arsenal have only won one of their four away games in this competition in 2023/24. With their Premier League title challenge faltering, they'll want to somehow return to England with a place in the last four.
Odds to win the Champions League
- Manchester City, odds of 2.61
- Arsenal, odds of 7.00
- Barcelona, odds of 7,00
- Bayern Munich, odds of 8.00
- Real Madrid, odds of 8.00
- Atletico Madrid, odds of 11.00
- PSG, odds of 15.00
- Borussia Dortmund, odds of 34.00
Odds from bet365
