This week, the UEFA Champions League reaches its crucial penultimate stage with the semifinal second legs in Milan and Paris. The four remaining teams are battling for a place in this month`s final, with both ties finely poised after the first legs.
The Champions League action continues on Tuesday as Barcelona visits Inter Milan. The tie is level at 3-3 on aggregate following a dramatic first encounter. Lamine Yamal is once again anticipated to be a key player, but fitness concerns could be decisive. Robert Lewandowski has traveled with the Barcelona squad, though his potential playing time is uncertain. For Inter, the participation of Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard will be a game-day decision.
Wednesday features the second semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. PSG holds a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, secured by their strong start. Arsenal will need to overcome this deficit and find a way to contain PSG`s formidable attack. Key players expected to influence this tie include Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for PSG, and Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard for Arsenal.
Expert Picks for Semifinals
| Matchup | Mike Goodman | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter vs. Barcelona | 1-3 | 2-1 | 2-2 (Inter on pens) | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| PSG vs. Arsenal | 1-2 (Arsenal on pens) | 2-2 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
Inter vs. Barcelona Analysis
Man of the Match:
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – Yamal was exceptional in the first leg. The young Spanish talent is already showing he can compete among the world`s elite. His performance in Milan will be crucial for Barcelona`s chances.
— Francesco Porzio
Best Bet:
Barcelona to win (+120) – Barcelona receives a boost with Robert Lewandowski`s inclusion in the squad. While their defense has faced questions, their attack`s ability to outscore opponents makes a Barcelona win likely against an Inter side potentially missing key players.
— Chuck Booth
Prediction:
Inter 1, Barcelona 2 – Inter`s chances might be diminished without a fully fit Lautaro Martinez. Facing a Barcelona side led by Lamine Yamal, who appears nearly unstoppable, makes Barcelona the likely winners.
— Pardeep Cattry
PSG vs. Arsenal Analysis
Man of the Match:
Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG – The Italian goalkeeper has been vital for PSG throughout the Champions League campaign. His crucial saves have helped the team reach this stage, and a top performance will be needed for PSG to advance to the final.
— Francesco Porzio
Best Bet:
Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each to have 1+ shots on target (-134) – PSG holds a slight lead, but an early goal would significantly help their cause. Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are central to PSG`s attack, making it likely they will test the goalkeeper at home.
— Chuck Booth
Prediction:
Paris Saint-Germain 2, Arsenal 1 – Arsenal showed they can challenge PSG in the first leg, but PSG has the advantage. Their effective press provides a strong base for Dembele and Kvaratskhelia to attack. Expect PSG to leverage their home advantage and secure their spot in the final.
— Pardeep Cattry
Semifinal TV Schedule (U.S./Eastern)
| 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, YouTube |
| 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, YouTube |
Adrian Whitmore