Champions League Quarterfinals: Expert Predictions

Football news

The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are here, and Europe`s top teams are vying for the continent`s most prestigious club trophy.

Defending champions Real Madrid aim for their 16th title as they face Arsenal, who haven`t reached the semifinals in 19 years. Real Madrid is among the teams still in contention for a treble, alongside Barcelona. They begin their quarterfinal match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Inter Milan is also chasing a treble and will play against Bayern Munich in a rematch of the 2010 final, which Inter won. This classic European matchup will highlight the strength of the semifinal contenders. Paris Saint-Germain, after defeating Liverpool, are considered the most exciting team left, while Aston Villa are enjoying a remarkable run in their first Champions League season in four decades.

Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions

Matchup James Benge Roger Gonzalez Francesco Porzio Chuck Booth Pardeep Cattry
Bayern vs. Inter 2-0 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-1
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid 1-0 1-2 2-2 1-2 1-2
PSG vs. Aston Villa 3-1 2-2 3-1 2-1 2-1
Barcelona vs. Dortmund 3-2 1-1 3-1 2-1 3-1

Bayern Munich vs. Inter

Player to watch: Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane`s recent form, with three goals in his last three games, makes him a key player for Bayern. With his contract expiring, this could be his last Champions League game at the Allianz Arena.

— James Benge

Man of the match: Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martinez, Inter`s captain, is crucial to their team. After recovering from injury, he returned in Inter`s draw against Parma and is expected to start against Bayern.

— Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Bayern Munich 0, Inter 1

Inter`s consistency makes them a strong opponent, especially against a Bayern side weakened by injuries. Harry Kane will try to give Bayern an advantage, but Inter`s strong defense in the Champions League will be tough to break down.

— Pardeep Cattry

Best bet: Under 2.5 goals scored (-110)

Inter games are often defensively focused, and this match is expected to be tight, especially in the first leg. The game is likely to have fewer than 2.5 goals.

— Chuck Booth

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid

Player to watch: Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard faces his former team but hasn`t been at his peak form recently due to an ankle injury. This match is a chance for him to regain his form.

— James Benge

Man of the match: Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe is expected to have a significant impact at the Emirates. He has already equaled Cristiano Ronaldo`s goal tally in his first Real Madrid season and could make history with another goal.

— Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Arsenal 1, Real Madrid 2

Arsenal`s Champions League form is strong, but injuries, particularly to Gabriel, will weaken their defense against Real Madrid. Despite Real Madrid`s inconsistencies, they often find ways to win, making them hard to count out.

— Pardeep Cattry

Best bet: Real Madrid to win (+220)

Despite Real Madrid`s La Liga struggles, Arsenal`s defensive injuries give Real Madrid an edge. At these odds, Real Madrid is a good bet.

— Chuck Booth

PSG vs. Aston Villa

Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s arrival has significantly boosted PSG`s Champions League ambitions, making them a top contender. His unpredictable play and ability to drift across the frontline strengthens PSG`s attack.

— James Benge

Man of the match: Vitinha

Vitinha is an underrated but crucial player for PSG. His strong performances often correlate with PSG`s wins and best play.

— Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Aston Villa 1

With the Ligue 1 title secured, PSG can focus on the Champions League. After defeating Liverpool, they are expected to perform well against Aston Villa, though Villa has enough attacking power to keep the game close.

— Pardeep Cattry

Best bet: Ousmane Dembele to score (+125)

PSG will aim for a fast start at home, and Dembele`s excellent form makes him a likely scorer. Aston Villa`s defense will struggle against PSG`s attack, creating opportunities for Dembele.

— Chuck Booth

Barcelona vs. Dortmund

Player to watch: Maximilian Beier

Maximilian Beier, in great form in the Bundesliga, is a threat to Barcelona`s defense. His speed and attacking ability could be key in a potentially transitional game.

— James Benge

Man of the match: Raphinha

Raphinha, despite a recent dip in form, is expected to rebound. This Champions League game against Dortmund is a perfect opportunity for him to shine.

— Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1

This quarterfinal seems mismatched given the teams` current forms. Barcelona`s strong attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, should secure a win, though Dortmund is likely to score as well.

— Pardeep Cattry

Best bet: Raphinha to have 2+ shots on target (-105)

Raphinha is expected to step up in the Champions League and test Dortmund`s defense with multiple shots on target.

— Chuck Booth

Round of 16 TV schedule

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 TIME HOW TO WATCH
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match 1:30 p.m. Paramount+; CBS Sports Golazo Network from 1:45 p.m.
The Golazo Show 3 p.m. Paramount+
Bayern Munich vs. Inter 3 p.m. Paramount+
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid 3 p.m. Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today post-match 5 p.m. CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The Champions Club 5 p.m. CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube
Scoreline 7 p.m. CBS Sports Golazo Network
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 TIME HOW TO WATCH
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match 2 p.m. Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
The Golazo Show 3 p.m. Paramount+
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund 3 p.m. Paramount+
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa 3 p.m. Paramount+
UEFA Champions League Today post-match 5 p.m. CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The Champions Club 5 p.m. CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube
Scoreline 7 p.m. CBS Sports Golazo Network
Heath Buttersworth
Heath Buttersworth

Heath Buttersworth is a seasoned sports journalist based in Bristol, England. Since 2012, he has been covering various sports, particularly focusing on Formula 1 and UFC events.

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