Following compelling first-leg encounters, the UEFA Champions League semifinals conclude this week, with a place in the prestigious final on May 31 within reach for the remaining four contenders.
The week`s fixtures commence on Tuesday in Milan, where Inter will host Barcelona subsequent to their thrilling 3-3 first-leg draw. Simone Inzaghi`s team ended their three-game losing streak with a multi-goal performance in Barcelona, featuring two goals from Denzel Dumfries, one stemming from a set piece. This was a notable showing considering Hansi Flick`s side deployed their full attacking force, anchored by another exceptional display from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal in his 100th appearance for the club.
On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain head back to the French capital holding a 1-0 advantage over Arsenal. Luis Enrique`s men capitalized on the Gunners` shaky start in London last week, scoring the game`s only goal just four minutes in, courtesy of Ousmane Dembele. The match ultimately demonstrated tactical flexibility from both sides, particularly from PSG, who appeared content to absorb Arsenal`s pressure for the final 20 minutes and succeeded, also benefiting from Arsenal`s missed scoring opportunities.
With a potential trip to Munich`s Allianz Arena for the final at stake, here is essential information before the upcoming matches.How to Watch
Coverage each day begins with the UEFA Champions League Today pre-match show, followed by the match itself. Post-match analysis will also be available. An alternative broadcast featuring David Beckham, titled “Beckham and Friends,” will also air during both games.
First Leg Scores
- Arsenal 0, Paris Saint-Germain 1
- Barcelona 3, Inter 3
Semifinal TV Schedule (U.S. Eastern Times)
| TUESDAY, MAY 6 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Inter vs. Barcelona | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Beckham and Friends Live: | 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 |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal | 3 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Beckham and Friends Live | 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 |
Key Storylines for the Semifinals
1. Can Inter advance despite challenges?
Inter may have been in poor form entering the first leg, but they seized their opportunity in Barcelona last week. Heading into the home leg, they might feel confident. The crucial question for the inconsistent Inter is whether they can replicate last week`s attacking output against Barcelona, with a spot in the final at stake.
Inter might target Barcelona`s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, with their primary approach being to outscore opponents despite mistakes from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, Inter also demonstrated their own quality last week. They benefited from the return of Marcus Thuram, who scored early after missing previous games, and were clinical on set pieces, a strategy they may look to repeat.
Even with momentum from recent wins and a tie that remains finely balanced, Inter may not be considered the favorites. Barcelona, with their attacking focus, are boosted by rising star Yamal. Furthermore, Inter could be without their leading scorer Lautaro Martinez due to an injury from the first leg. Despite the tied scoreline, reaching the final could still be a challenging task for Inter.
2. Can Arsenal stage a comeback?
Arsenal are still firmly in their Champions League tie against PSG. However, the opening 20 minutes of the first leg indicated they could become the latest team troubled by the French champions` effective press. Manager Mikel Arteta faces the challenge of devising a strategy to counter this.
Clues might be found in the latter part of the first leg, where Arsenal gained momentum but were left regretting missed chances that could have leveled the aggregate score. While wasteful finishing is potentially correctable, the performance highlighted the player profile the Gunners have lacked all season – a prolific goalscorer. In a tie where they desperately need at least one goal, solving this issue will be critical, while also managing a game against a PSG side equally capable of scoring. Dembele is enjoying his most productive goalscoring season at club level, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is solidifying his reputation as a highly impactful signing. This tie could still swing either way, but the pressure is squarely on Arsenal to deliver their end of the bargain.
Adrian Whitmore