The UEFA Champions League has unveiled its quarter-final fixtures, featuring some of Europe’s most storied clubs in high-stakes battles for a coveted semi-final spot. The matchups, confirmed following the conclusion of the Round of 16, are as follows:
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: A marquee clash between the Premier League leaders and the reigning European champions.
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs. Aston Villa: PSG faces a resurgent Aston Villa, making a remarkable run in Europe this season.
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund: An enticing encounter showcasing attacking flair from both sides.
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan: A rematch reminiscent of the 2010 final, with both teams in formidable form.
Schedule of Matches
The first-leg fixtures are slated for April 8 and 9, with the return legs on April 15 and 16, 2025. All matches are set to kick off at 21:00 CET.
Path to the Final
The semi-final draw has set the stage for potential blockbuster encounters:
- The winner of Arsenal vs. Real Madrid will face the victor of PSG vs. Aston Villa.
- The team advancing from Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund will meet the winner of Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan.
This alignment opens the possibility for historic rivalries to be rekindled en route to the final.
Road to the Quarter-Finals
The Round of 16 delivered intense action:
- Arsenal secured a 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven, with the second leg ending in a 2-2 draw.
- Aston Villa dominated Club Brugge with a 6-1 aggregate score, showcasing their European ambitions.
- Real Madrid triumphed over Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
- PSG eliminated Liverpool with a 4-1 penalty shootout win at Anfield, thanks to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics.
- Bayern Munich displayed dominance with a 5-0 aggregate win over Bayer Leverkusen, highlighted by Harry Kane’s stellar performance.
- Barcelona advanced with a solid performance against Benfica, setting up a quarter-final clash with Borussia Dortmund.
- Borussia Dortmund secured their spot by edging past Lille, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter with Barcelona.
- Inter Milan progressed after a hard-fought battle against Feyenoord, earning their place in the last eight.
Looking Ahead
The semi-finals are scheduled for April 29-30 (first legs) and May 6-7 (second legs). The grand finale is set for May 31, 2025, at Munich’s Allianz Arena, promising a thrilling climax to the season.