UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter-Finals Recap
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, played April 8-9 and 15-16, delivered thrilling battles, setting the stage for the semi-finals en route to the May 31 final in Munich.
Arsenal 5-1 Real Madrid: Arsenal stunned defending champions Real Madrid with a 3-0 first-leg win at the Emirates, highlighted by Declan Rice’s spectacular free-kick. A 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu secured a 5-1 aggregate triumph, marking Arsenal’s first semi-final since 2008/09. Posts on X praised Arsenal’s dominance over a lackluster Madrid side.
Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 Aston Villa: PSG edged out surprise package Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate. A 3-1 first-leg win in Paris was nearly overturned by Villa’s 3-2 second-leg fightback at home, led by Ollie Watkins. PSG’s resilience, despite defensive concerns, kept them alive.
Barcelona 5-3 Borussia Dortmund: Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 first-leg victory at the Camp Nou, but Dortmund fought back with a 3-1 second-leg win. Barcelona’s 5-3 aggregate success, bolstered by their unbeaten run, positions them as favorites, per Opta’s 20% title prediction.
Inter Milan 4-3 Bayern Munich: Inter narrowly defeated Bayern 4-3 on aggregate, with a 2-1 first-leg win in Munich and a 2-2 draw at home. Inter’s defensive solidity outshone Bayern’s injury-hit squad, despite a late push.
Semi-Finals: Arsenal face PSG, while Barcelona meet Inter on April 29-30 and May 6-7. England secured five spots for next season’s competition, and Opta ranks Arsenal and Barcelona as top contenders. The quarter-finals showcased drama, upsets, and standout performances, priming the stage for a thrilling climax.