The UEFA Champions League reaches its semifinal stage this week, with the final four teams set to contest the first legs. Europe`s leading clubs are vying for a place in the ultimate match, scheduled for May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena.
The pursuit of a treble remains alive for both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Having already secured domestic silverware this season, they are considered prime candidates to lift Europe`s most prestigious club trophy. However, their path to Munich requires overcoming two formidable opponents with genuine ambitions of their own: Arsenal and Inter.
Arsenal hosts PSG on Tuesday, marking their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 16 years, following their impressive victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in the previous round. In the other tie, Inter visits Barcelona, aiming to bounce back from a challenging period. Simone Inzaghi`s side is currently on a four-game winless streak, which included elimination from the Coppa Italia and a setback in the Serie A title race.
Ahead of the Champions League semifinals, here`s a look at the key narratives.
Key Storylines
Treble Aspirations for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
Only two teams from the quarter-finals still have a chance at winning a treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. While potentially unexpected by some at the season`s outset, both clubs have navigated challenges successfully and enter the semifinals as frontrunners. Barcelona, favored by bookmakers, has impressed despite ongoing financial issues. Young talent Lamine Yamal continues to shine, and Raphinha has had a notable season. However, they face Inter without their main striker, Robert Lewandowski, who is injured. Although they managed without him in a recent Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid, the Inter tie presents a tough test. Paris Saint-Germain, under Luis Enrique, has adapted well with their youthful squad and tactical approach, becoming a difficult opponent. Having secured the Ligue 1 title, their focus shifts to maintaining momentum against a strong Arsenal side and reaching the Champions League final for the first time in five years. Achieving this would surpass expectations for a season widely seen as a transition year after Kylian Mbappe`s departure.
Arsenal`s Long-Awaited Semifinal Return
Arsenal enters the Champions League semifinals with this competition representing their final opportunity for silverware this season. Their prospects are subject to debate: the Gunners boast arguably Europe`s top defense, which was key in their dominant 5-1 quarter-final win over Real Madrid. However, a consistent lack of a clinical finisher throughout the season likely hindered their Premier League title challenge. Facing the possibility of another season without a trophy, manager Mikel Arteta and his team are under pressure, and failure to win the Champions League could lead to questions about whether the club has reached its limit.
Inter`s Recent Struggles
Unlike the other semifinalists who appear to have positive momentum, Inter is experiencing a downturn. Within a week, their treble aspirations diminished significantly due to poor domestic results. They were eliminated from the Coppa Italia after a loss to AC Milan in the second leg of their semifinal, and their four-game winless streak has seen the Serie A title advantage shift towards Napoli. A major question is how Inter will manage competing on two fronts, but more critically, whether they have the capacity to recover their form and win either the Champions League or the Serie A title this season.
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Adrian Whitmore