Only four teams remain in this season`s UEFA Champions League as the semi-finals are set to kick off at the end of April. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are vying for their first ever UCL title, while Inter Milan and Barcelona will face off in a battle of European giants.
With just 180 minutes, and possibly more, left to play, we are on the verge of discovering 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 assess and rank the possible final pairings now that the semi-finalists are confirmed.
4. PSG vs. Inter
Even as the lowest ranked potential final, this matchup is still highly compelling. It`s not the `worst` option, but rather the least sensational compared to others, while still being a fantastic prospect. We could see a PSG team aiming to replicate Manchester City`s project completion from a couple of seasons prior. Inter, having been finalists two seasons ago, have maintained consistency, making astute acquisitions like Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer.
PSG has shown the most significant improvement among teams in recent months, transitioning from perceived pretenders to genuine contenders. Despite losing Kylian Mbappe, they`ve surprisingly become stronger. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has brought his brilliance, Joao Neves is a highly underrated midfielder, Ousmane Dembele is finally realizing his potential, and Bradley Barcola shows immense future star quality. And this is without even mentioning their other existing talents. This final promises flair and goals, making it an exciting prospect.
3. PSG vs. Barca
This potential final is packed with storylines. Dembele`s Barcelona past, PSG coach Luis Enrique`s leadership of the iconic Barcelona team with Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi, and Barca manager Hansi Flick`s Bayern Munich victory over PSG in a previous final during COVID. Both teams possess incredibly talented squads, hinting at a potentially high-scoring final, perhaps 4-3, given their defenses aren`t their strongest aspect.
It would be an exceptional showcase of the world`s leading young talents, headlined by Barcelona`s prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yamal, boasting an impressive 14 goals and 17 assists across all competitions this season, would aim to follow up his previous Euro success by restoring Barcelona to the pinnacle of European football – a position they haven`t occupied in a decade.
2. Arsenal vs. Inter
This is a truly special encounter between two prestigious clubs with rich histories of European ambition. Inter has claimed the title three times before, but with the evolving landscape of football finance, particularly the financial power of English clubs and the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, questions have lingered about when an Italian team could again reach the top. Inter, with their dynamic and disciplined team, might be the ones to break through. Having already experienced a final, they would seek to apply lessons learned from last year, while Arsenal would be completing an unexpected journey to the final, defying pre-season expectations given their injury setbacks.
A tactical battle of wits is anticipated with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard facing off against Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and others. Yet, the speed and technical skill on display suggest it could also produce moments of sheer brilliance.
1. Barcelona vs. Arsenal
It`s undeniable why this is the top-ranked potential final. Almost two decades have passed since Arsenal and Barcelona clashed in the 2006 final at the Stade de France. Sol Campbell`s 37th-minute goal instilled belief in Arsenal, even after Jens Lehmann`s early red card. However, goals from Samuel Eto`o and Juliano Belletti secured Barcelona`s second Champions League title, their first since 1992. Both clubs have aspired to return to this stage, achieving it sooner than many predicted. Not long ago, Barcelona`s financial troubles seemed to limit their European aspirations, while Arsenal were rebuilding under Arteta. However, both have demonstrated since the season`s start that they possess the potential, with Barcelona capable of dominant victories and Arsenal proving their defensive solidity against top teams.
The memory of that night undoubtedly lingers for Arsenal fans, pondering what might have been without the red card. This presents a chance for redemption against a team that evokes painful memories. It`s an opportunity to forge a new chapter in their history against a Barcelona side that, while experienced in areas, still has many young players new to this level of competition.
Imagine the spectacle of Saka, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal on the wings for 90 minutes. An end-to-end contest between these two would be a footballing dream.
Benedict Kingsley