Only four teams are left in this season`s UEFA Champions League, with the semifinals kicking off at the end of April. Arsenal will play against Paris Saint-Germain, both aiming for their first ever Champions League title, while Inter Milan and Barcelona will clash in a battle of European giants.
Now, just 180 minutes, or perhaps more, are left to determine who will compete in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31st. Before we reach that stage, let`s evaluate the potential final combinations now that the semifinal pairings are set.
4. PSG vs. Inter
This matchup would still be very exciting. While it might be considered the `least` exciting potential final, it`s still a fantastic prospect. We could see a PSG team trying to complete their ambitious project, similar to Manchester City`s success a couple of seasons ago. Inter, having been finalists two seasons prior, have maintained their strong performance, making clever acquisitions like Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer.
PSG has shown the most significant improvement of any team in recent months, transitioning from being considered outsiders to genuine contenders. Despite losing Kylian Mbappe, they`ve surprisingly become even stronger. New players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have displayed incredible talent, Joao Neves is a highly underrated midfielder, Ousmane Dembele is finally realizing his potential, and Bradley Barcola shows immense promise for the future. And that`s not even mentioning their already impressive existing players. This final pairing would be full of flair and goals, which would be very appealing.
3. PSG vs. Barca
This matchup is packed with storylines. Dembele previously played for Barcelona, and PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, led the iconic Barcelona team with Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. Barcelona`s manager, Hansi Flick, was Bayern Munich`s coach when they defeated PSG in the Champions League final during the pandemic. Both teams possess incredibly talented squads, promising a potentially high-scoring final, perhaps even 4-3, as their defenses aren`t their strongest points.
This final would be an excellent platform to showcase top young talents, especially Barcelona`s prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has an impressive 14 goals and 17 assists this season. He would be aiming to build on his Euro success from last summer and bring Barcelona back to the pinnacle of European football, a position they haven`t held for a decade.
2. Arsenal vs. Inter
This is a truly special potential game between two historic clubs with long-held aspirations for European glory. Inter has won the Champions League three times before, but with the evolving landscape of football, dominated by English money and the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, questions arose about when an Italian team could reclaim the top spot. If any team can, it`s this dynamic and disciplined Inter side. They`ve reached the final before and would be motivated to learn from past mistakes. Arsenal reaching the final would be a remarkable achievement, exceeding expectations after facing numerous injuries.
A contest between Arsenal`s Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard against Inter`s Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and others suggests a tactical battle, but also with the speed and skill to create spectacular moments.
1. Barcelona vs. Arsenal
How could this not be the top choice? It`s been almost 20 years since Arsenal and Barcelona faced off in the 2006 final at the Stade de France. Sol Campbell`s goal in the 37th minute gave Arsenal hope, even after Jens Lehmann`s red card in the 18th minute. However, goals from Samuel Eto`o in the 76th minute and Juliano Belletti four minutes later secured Barcelona`s second Champions League title, their first since 1992. Both teams have been striving to return to this level, and they`ve achieved it faster than many anticipated. Not long ago, Barcelona`s financial difficulties seemed to hinder their European ambitions, while Arsenal was just beginning their resurgence under Arteta. But since the start of this season, both teams have demonstrated their potential, with Barcelona capable of dominant victories and Arsenal proving their defensive solidity against top teams like Real Madrid.
There`s no doubt that the 2006 final left Arsenal fans wondering `what if` due to the red card. This is a chance for redemption against a team that evokes painful memories. It`s an opportunity to create a new chapter in their history against a Barcelona team that, while experienced in some areas, also has many young players new to this level of competition.
Imagine 90 minutes of Saka, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal running down the wings. An end-to-end match between these two would be a footballing spectacle.
