The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set, featuring a collection of highly talented and accomplished teams. Almost every team remaining in the competition has lifted the trophy at least once.
Real Madrid, the current champions and the most decorated club in the tournament with 15 titles, are back in the quarterfinals after overcoming Atletico Madrid in the previous round. Bayern Munich and Barcelona, also among the Champions League`s most successful teams with six and five titles respectively, are aiming to add another trophy to their illustrious histories. Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, each with one title, are also hoping for significant runs, particularly Dortmund after reaching last year`s final.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are the two quarterfinalists still seeking their first Champions League victory. Both have come close in the past two decades, losing finals to established winners, and they hope to avoid a repeat of that disappointment 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
The two-leg matches are scheduled to take place from April 8th to April 16th.
Bracket
Bayern Munich
Best finish: Winners (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020) – Bayern Munich`s consistent performance has established them as a European powerhouse, with six Champions League titles, tying them for third place all-time. Their most recent title was five years ago, when they defeated PSG 1-0 with a goal from Kingsley Coman.
How they got here: Bayern`s progression to the quarterfinals was somewhat uneven. Their group stage included a dominant 8-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb but also losses to Barcelona and Feyenoord. However, they convincingly overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 with a 5-0 aggregate score.
Chances of winning it: Bayern Munich`s chances are uncertain. Despite a strong Bundesliga lead under new manager Vincent Kompany, their consistency is questionable. Their quarterfinal matches against Inter will be a significant test of their title aspirations.
Inter
Best finish: Winners (1964, 1965, 2010) – Inter is another major European club with a rich trophy cabinet, although their last Champions League title was 15 years ago, in 2010, with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich. This history might be relevant as they face Bayern again in this year`s quarterfinals. Inter`s treble win in 2010 could be matched this season as they compete for Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.
How they got here: Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter has shown consistency across all competitions, including the Champions League. They performed strongly in the group stage and then defeated Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: Inter could be a dark horse contender. Under Inzaghi, they are well-organized with exciting players like Thuram and Martinez. As 2023 Champions League finalists and reigning Serie A champions, they have proven their ability to compete at the highest level. Their success may depend on player fitness and upcoming matchups, but they are capable of challenging any opponent.
Arsenal
Best finish: Runners-up (2006) – Arsenal`s best Champions League performance was reaching the 2006 final, where they lost 2-1 to Barcelona. Since then, they have struggled to advance past the quarterfinals. This season, they face a tough challenge against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.
How they got here: Arsenal had a relatively smooth Champions League campaign, performing well in the group stage. They were particularly impressive in the round of 16 against PSV, winning 7-1 in the first leg.
Chances of winning it: Pressure is on manager Mikel Arteta to prove Arsenal`s title contention after recent Premier League finishes. The Champions League is their main focus now. However, facing Real Madrid, especially with potential injuries, makes their task difficult. An upset in the quarterfinals could change their outlook.
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. Under Carlo Ancelotti, they have consistently contended, even when not at their best. This was evident in their victorious campaign last season, making them favorites again this year.
How they got here: Real Madrid`s campaign had some shaky moments in the group stage with losses, but they secured a respectable finish and defeated Manchester City in the knockout playoffs. Their round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid was decided by a penalty shootout, but Real Madrid showed signs of peaking at the right time.
Chances of winning it: Real Madrid, despite being the current champions, have flaws. Balancing their attacking options and a sometimes vulnerable defense can be challenging. However, their ability to win even when not playing perfectly, combined with world-class attacking talent, makes them a formidable force and the team to beat.
Barcelona
Best finish: Winners (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – Barcelona is another historically significant European club, winning four of their five Champions League titles within a decade, including two under Pep Guardiola. After a period of instability, under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona has become a strong contender in all competitions this season.
How they got here: Barcelona had a strong start to their European campaign, finishing just behind the top spot in their group. A notable 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich highlighted their potential. They comfortably progressed through the round of 16 against Benfica with a 4-1 aggregate win.
Chances of winning it: Barcelona might be considered favorites to win the Champions League this season. Despite off-field financial issues, on-field performance has been excellent. Flick has improved players like Raphinha and Lewandowski, and the emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal strengthens their squad. Winning the title would mark a fitting anniversary since their last victory a decade ago.
Borussia Dortmund
Best finish: Winners (1997) – Borussia Dortmund`s only Champions League title was won nearly 30 years ago. Despite this, they have reached the final twice in the last 12 years, losing to Bayern Munich in 2013 and Real Madrid last year.
How they got here: Dortmund`s season has been inconsistent, with some losses in the group stage. A managerial change to Niko Kovac has stabilized their European campaign. They progressed through the knockout playoffs against Sporting Lisbon and a close round of 16 tie with Lille.
Chances of winning it: Dortmund`s chances of winning the Champions League are slim. Facing a strong Barcelona team next, and their current Bundesliga position, make it an uphill battle. While they might focus on the Champions League, repeating last season’s final run seems unlikely.
Paris Saint-Germain
Best finish: Finalists (2020) – The Champions League is PSG`s primary ambition since Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011. They came closest in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich. After defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, they may have increased confidence this year.
How they got here: PSG faced a tough group stage and had an inconsistent run, but still qualified for the knockout playoffs. They easily defeated Brest in that round and then made a statement by eliminating Liverpool in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: PSG is a dark horse contender, not a favorite. Under Enrique, despite a relatively young and star-less team, they have shown cohesion, especially after Kvaratskhelia`s arrival. While their quarterfinal matchup might be favorable, winning the title is still a significant challenge for this young team.
Aston Villa
Best finish: Winners (1982) – Aston Villa`s historic achievement was winning the 1982 European Cup against Bayern Munich. This season marks only their second appearance in Europe`s top club competition since that victory, matching their quarterfinal appearance in 1983.
How they got here: Aston Villa`s return to the Champions League after four decades has been notable. Under Unai Emery, they performed well in the group stage and comfortably defeated Club Brugge in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: A Champions League title seems unlikely for Aston Villa. Despite talent and winter signings like Rashford and Ascensio, their competitiveness against Europe`s elite is untested. The quarterfinal against PSG will be a significant test, but it might be too early in Villa`s rebuild under Emery to consider them true title contenders.
Adrian Whitmore