Only ninety minutes remain, and possibly extra time, in this week`s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second legs. On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund hosts Barcelona, and Aston Villa welcomes PSG. Both home teams face significant deficits from the first leg and have a lot of ground to make up. Wednesday sees Real Madrid attempting a major comeback against Arsenal, while Inter Milan returns to San Siro to play Bayern Munich, holding a narrow one-goal lead.
Games that are tied on aggregate after regulation time will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, and if still level, penalty kicks will determine the winner.
But who will advance? Check out our experts` predictions below.
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
Dortmund vs. Barcelona
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – It seems inevitable that Yamal will soon be considered the best player globally. He may not be there yet, but it`s hard to argue otherwise. His ability to outmaneuver defenders, pass effectively, and strike the ball powerfully is astonishing for a 17-year-old. — James Benge
Man of the match: Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona – The former Borussia Dortmund striker scored twice in the first leg in Barcelona, reaffirming his status as one of the world`s top strikers. He returns to Dortmund on Tuesday, where he played from 2010 to 2014 before his controversial transfer to Bayern Munich. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: FC Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – The Spanish team, coached by former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, is expected to win again after their dominant 4-0 first-leg victory and should comfortably advance to the semifinals to face the winner of the Inter vs. Bayern Munich tie. — Francesco Porzio
Aston Villa vs. PSG
Player to watch: Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain – Recent matches suggest PSG has a Champions League-winning attack. The question is whether their defense is strong enough to support them. While the full-backs and goalkeeper raise concerns, if their captain can protect the latter, this should be a manageable task. — James Benge
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa – Aston Villa hosts the likely 2024-25 French champions PSG on Tuesday for the quarterfinal second leg after a 3-1 first-leg loss. Former Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has a significant opportunity to demonstrate his resurgence since joining Villa on loan in January, against PSG, a team that previously sought to sign him. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2 – Despite last week`s result, Emery`s team demonstrated the potential to create opportunities and score against PSG. However, it`s unlikely to be enough to complete a comeback, as Villa needs to score three goals to overturn the first-leg deficit. Should they achieve an unexpected comeback, they would face the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal match on Wednesday. — Francesco Porzio
Inter vs. Bayern Munich
Player to watch: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich – The England captain may soon end his wait for major trophies, but Bayern`s acquisition of Kane was primarily for Champions League success, not just Bundesliga titles. He is expected to be the decisive factor in tight games. Can he deliver on Wednesday night? — James Benge
Man of the match: Yann Sommer, Inter – The Swiss goalkeeper was outstanding in the first leg of the quarterfinals, where Inter won 2-1 at Bayern Munich`s Allianz Arena. He reaffirmed his reputation as a top goalkeeper. Simone Inzaghi`s team needs him to be at his best to avoid defeat on Wednesday, as even a draw would secure Inter`s place in the semifinals. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Inter 1, Bayern Munich 1 – With numerous injuries and a first-leg defeat, it will be challenging for Bayern to overcome the 2023 Champions League finalists. Inter is more likely to advance to the semifinals, potentially setting up a rematch with FC Barcelona, similar to the 2009-10 season when Inter, under Jose Mourinho, won the Treble. — Francesco Porzio
Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
Player to watch: Jurrien Timber, Arsenal – While William Saliba received deserved praise for Arsenal`s strong defense in the first leg, his right-back was equally effective. If Timber can again neutralize Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior`s attacking threats, Real Madrid may struggle to overcome their three-goal deficit. — James Benge
Man of the match: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid – The Brazilian forward needs to perform at his peak if Real Madrid is to mount a miraculous comeback against Arsenal after a 3-0 first-leg loss. Vinicius, expected to partner with Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe in attack, has already scored seven goals in 11 Champions League matches this season. A defeat against Arsenal would be a major disappointment in his career. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 0 – If any team can recover against Arsenal, it`s Real Madrid. However, this time, it seems particularly difficult for Carlo Ancelotti`s side due to injuries and key players playing out of position. Yet, with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, anything is possible. — Francesco Porzio
