The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set, showcasing a group of elite and decorated teams. Almost every team remaining in the competition has tasted Champions League victory before, promising high-stakes and thrilling matchups.
Real Madrid, the current champions and record holders with 15 titles, are back in the quarterfinals after overcoming Atletico Madrid. Alongside them are Bayern Munich and Barcelona, giants of the competition with six and five titles respectively, both aiming for another Champions League crown. Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, each with one title, are also in the mix, hoping to make deep runs, especially Dortmund after reaching last year`s final.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal complete the quarterfinal lineup, both seeking their first Champions League trophy. Both teams have come close in the past two decades, losing in finals to established winners, and they hope to avoid a similar fate this season.
Here’s a closer look at the Champions League quarterfinalists.
Champions League Quarterfinal Matchups
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
These two-leg matches will take place between April 8th and April 16th.
Bracket
Bayern Munich
Best Finish: Winners (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020) – Bayern Munich is a European powerhouse, tied for third with six Champions League titles. Their last victory was in 2020, defeating PSG 1-0 with a goal from Kingsley Coman.
Path to Quarterfinals: Bayern`s journey has been somewhat inconsistent. They experienced both dominant wins and surprising losses in the league phase. However, they secured a convincing 5-0 aggregate win against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Chances of Winning: Bayern Munich is a team with question marks. Despite leading the Bundesliga, their consistency is questionable. Their quarterfinal clash against Inter will be a true test of their title credentials.
Inter
Best Finish: Winners (1964, 1965, 2010) – Inter is another European giant, seeking their first Champions League title since 2010 when they beat Bayern Munich 2-0. They aim to repeat their treble-winning season, as they are still competing for Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.
Path to Quarterfinals: Inter has been remarkably consistent across all competitions, including the Champions League. They performed strongly in the league phase and comfortably defeated Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Chances of Winning: Inter could be a dark horse contender. Under Simone Inzaghi, they are well-organized with exciting players like Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. As 2023 finalists and reigning Serie A champions, they are a serious threat, depending on fitness and matchups.
Arsenal
Best Finish: Runners-up (2006) – Arsenal`s best Champions League moment was in 2006 when they reached the final but lost 2-1 to Barcelona. They haven`t progressed past the quarterfinals since. This season, they face a tough challenge against Real Madrid.
Path to Quarterfinals: Arsenal has had a smooth Champions League campaign, performing well in the league phase and dominating PSV 7-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Chances of Winning: Pressure is on Mikel Arteta to prove Arsenal`s title contention. With the Premier League slipping away, the Champions League is their main focus. Facing Real Madrid with potential injuries makes their path difficult, but an upset in the quarterfinals could change their fortunes.
Real Madrid
Best Finish: Winners (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) – Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League, holding a record 15 titles. They haven`t gone more than four years without winning it since 2014 and remain contenders even when not at their best. Last season`s title run exemplified their ability to win regardless of performance.
Path to Quarterfinals: Real Madrid`s campaign had some early concerns with losses in the league phase. However, they overcame Manchester City in the knockout playoffs and then Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout, showing signs of peaking at the right time.
Chances of Winning: Despite flaws, Real Madrid are always dangerous. Balancing attacking stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo, and fixing defensive issues are challenges. However, their intangible qualities and individual brilliance make them favorites to win again.
Barcelona
Best Finish: Winners (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – Barcelona is another historically significant club, winning four of their five Champions League titles in a decade, including two under Pep Guardiola. After a decade without a title, they are showing resurgence under Hansi Flick, becoming a team to watch.
Path to Quarterfinals: Barcelona had a strong start in the league phase, highlighted by a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich. They continued their form in the round of 16, beating Benfica 4-1 on aggregate.
Chances of Winning: Barcelona might be considered favorites. Despite financial issues, their on-field performance has improved under Flick, with players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski excelling, alongside young talent Lamine Yamal. They have the potential to go all the way and mark the 10th anniversary of their last title in style.
Borussia Dortmund
Best Finish: Winners (1997) – Borussia Dortmund`s only Champions League title was in 1997. They have reached the final twice in the last 12 years, losing to Bayern Munich in 2013 and Real Madrid last year.
Path to Quarterfinals: Dortmund`s season has been inconsistent, with struggles in the league phase and a managerial change. However, they progressed through the knockout rounds, defeating Sporting Lisbon and Lille.
Chances of Winning: Dortmund`s chances are slim. Facing Barcelona next and struggling in the Bundesliga makes their path difficult. While they might focus on the Champions League, replicating last season`s final run seems unlikely currently.
Paris Saint-Germain
Best Finish: Finalists (2020) – The Champions League is PSG`s primary goal since Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011. They reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich. After defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, they have renewed hope.
Path to Quarterfinals: PSG navigated a tough league phase and made a statement by defeating Liverpool in the round of 16. Luis Enrique`s team is emerging as an exciting contender.
Chances of Winning: PSG is a dark horse pick. A young and improving team under Enrique, especially with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s arrival, they are clicking at the right time. While not favorites, they are a threat and could surprise.
Aston Villa
Best Finish: Winners (1982) – Aston Villa`s glory days include winning the 1982 European Cup. This is only their second Champions League appearance since then, and they`ve already matched their 1983 quarterfinal run.
Path to Quarterfinals: Villa`s return to the Champions League has been memorable, performing well in the league phase and defeating Club Brugge convincingly in the round of 16.
Chances of Winning: A title run seems unlikely for Villa. Despite talent and recent signings like Marcus Rashford and Marco Ascensio, their competitiveness against Europe`s elite is still uncertain. The PSG quarterfinal will be a crucial test, but it might be too early in their resurgence to consider them true contenders.
