Playing today
Real Madrid vs Arsenal
Champions League | Wed 16 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Real Madrid faces a herculean task, needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Bernabéu.
Despite the historical improbability of such a comeback, the 14-time champions, still eyeing a treble, cannot be discounted. However, their European campaign has been inconsistent (8 wins, 5 losses) with a leaky defence (one clean sheet in 13 games).
Arsenal arrives in Spain with a commanding three-goal lead and aspirations for their first semi-final in 16 years. Their strength lies in a formidable defence, the best domestically and with a total of only 6 Champions League goals conceded this campaign. Historically, they are unbeaten against Real Madrid, keeping clean sheets in all three prior meetings.
Tonight's battle contrasts Real Madrid's attacking threat with Arsenal's defensive solidity. While the large first-leg advantage favours Arsenal, Real Madrid's reputation for comebacks demands attention. The Bernabéu awaits a potentially unforgettable night as Arsenal aims to secure their semi-final berth, and Real Madrid seeks an improbable resurgence.
Inter Milan vs FC Bayern
Champions League | Wed 16 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Inter Milan hosts Bayern Munich in a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg, holding a 2-1 advantage from their victory in Munich. Inter boasts an impressive European campaign with 9 wins in 11 games and only 3 goals conceded. Only Man City (0-0 draw) and Leverkusen (late goal) have denied them victory.
Serie A leaders Inter aim for a potential treble, motivated to overcome a poor home record against Bayern, having lost their last three European home ties without scoring.
Bayern faces a tough but not impossible task, trailing by one goal. Despite a recent Bundesliga draw against Dortmund, their strong Champions League away form (two consecutive knockout wins) offers hope.
They'll need to breach Inter's solid defense to keep their European aspirations alive and replicate their historical success in Milan. The San Siro is set for a tense battle as Inter seeks to capitalize on their lead and Bayern fights to overturn the deficit and reach the semi-finals.
Playing tomorrow
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
Europa League | Thu 17 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Eintracht Frankfurt will look to capitalise on their strong home form in the Europa League as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur for the second leg of their quarter-final tie, following a 1-1 draw in London.
Frankfurt boasts an impressive record at Deutsche Bank Park in the competition, having won their last four Europa League home matches. Their domestic form is also encouraging, sitting third in the Bundesliga after winning three of their last four games.
While Tottenham has shown resilience in their Europa League campaign, losing only twice in 11 matches, their Premier League form has been a cause for concern. They have managed just one victory in their last six domestic outings, a home win against struggling Southampton.
With their league form faltering, Tottenham will be highly motivated to achieve success in the Europa League, viewing it as a potential lifeline to salvage what has been a largely underwhelming season.
Manchester Utd vs Lyon
Europa League | Thu 17 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Manchester United welcomes Lyon to Old Trafford for the decisive second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, with the score finely balanced at 2-2 after Lyon's late equaliser in France.
Despite relinquishing a first-leg lead, Manchester United boasts a strong Europa League record this season, remaining unbeaten in 11 matches and securing victory in their last four home games in the competition.
However, their recent domestic form has been concerning, with a lack of goals in the Premier League, culminating in a heavy 4-1 defeat at Newcastle last time out.
Lyon travels to Manchester with confidence, having lost only once in their 11 Europa League fixtures. Their attack has been particularly potent in Europe, scoring an impressive 9 goals in their last three outings.
Domestically, Lyon's form has significantly improved as they push for a Champions League spot in Ligue 1, winning five of their last six matches and currently sitting in fourth place.
This encounter pits Manchester United's solid Europa League home form against Lyon's in-form attack and improving overall performances. While United's recent domestic struggles might raise concerns, their unbeaten European run provides a foundation of resilience. Lyon, buoyed by their late first-leg goal and strong domestic momentum, will be aiming to exploit any vulnerabilities.
Played yesterday
Aston Villa 3 - 2 Paris SG
Champions League | Tue 15 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Despite a valiant comeback from Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain have secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
PSG entered the second leg in Birmingham with a 3-1 lead from the first match. They quickly extended their advantage to 5-1 on aggregate after just 27 minutes at Villa Park, appearing to put the tie beyond reach.
However, Unai Emery's side displayed remarkable determination, scoring three goals and leaving themselves just one goal short of forcing extra time with over 30 minutes remaining.
Despite creating clear opportunities, Villa couldn't find the decisive fourth goal, and PSG narrowly held on to their aggregate lead after a tense finish.
Aston Villa did manage to win their fifth home Champions League game out of six played in this campaign, but it’s Paris Saint-Germain that will be advancing to face the winner of tomorrow's Real Madrid vs. Arsenal second leg.
Dortmund 3 - 1 FC Barcelona
Champions League | Tue 15 Apr 2025 | 19:00 UTC
Despite a valiant hat-trick from Serhou Guirassy that highlighted Borussia Dortmund's fighting spirit in front of their home fans, FC Barcelona have progressed to the Champions League semi-finals.
Facing a seemingly insurmountable 4-0 deficit from the first leg, Dortmund's three goals offered a flicker of hope for extra time, but they ultimately fell short by two goals on aggregate. Their focus now shifts to the Bundesliga title race.
Barcelona, who scored through an own goal in this leg, relied on their significant first-leg advantage to advance. The treble dream remains alive for the Catalans, who will now face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the next round, with their tie concluding tomorrow.
|