The UEFA Champions League is back this week with the quarterfinal stage. Top European teams are competing for the most prestigious club trophy.
Current champions Real Madrid aim for their 16th title and will face Arsenal, who haven`t reached the semifinals in almost two decades. Real Madrid is among the teams still in contention for a treble, along with Barcelona, their rivals for all three major trophies. Barcelona will play against Borussia Dortmund, last year`s finalists, on Wednesday.
Inter Milan is also aiming for a treble and will play against Bayern Munich, in a rematch of the 2010 final won by the Italian team. This classic matchup will show which team deserves to be in the semifinals. Paris Saint-Germain, after defeating Liverpool, is considered the most exciting team left, while Aston Villa is surprisingly in the quarterfinals in their first Champions League season in 40 years.
Champions League Quarterfinals Predictions
| Matchup | James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern vs. Inter | 2-0 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 |
| Arsenal vs. Real Madrid | 1-0 | 1-2 | 2-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| PSG vs. Aston Villa | 3-1 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Barcelona vs. Dortmund | 3-2 | 1-1 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 3-1 |
Bayern Munich vs. Inter
Player to watch: Leroy Sane – Sane, in good form recently, is a key player for Bayern. With his contract expiring, this could be his last Champions League game at home.
Man of the match: Lautaro Martinez – Martinez, Inter`s captain, is crucial for his team. After injury, he returned and is expected to start against Bayern.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 0, Inter 1 – Inter`s consistency makes them tough to bet against, especially facing an inconsistent Bayern, missing key players due to injuries.
Best bet: Under 2.5 goals scored (-110) – First leg matches are often tight, and this game is likely to have few goals due to strong defenses.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
Player to watch: Martin Odegaard – Odegaard faces his former team, but hasn`t been at his best recently due to injury. This game is a chance for him to shine again.
Man of the match: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe is expected to have a big impact for Real Madrid in London. He`s already matched Ronaldo`s goal count in his first season.
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Real Madrid 2 – Despite Arsenal`s strong Champions League season, injuries, especially in defense, give Real Madrid an edge. Real Madrid often finds ways to win even when not playing perfectly.
Best bet: Real Madrid to win (+220) – Real Madrid at these odds is a good bet, even against a strong Arsenal, especially considering Arsenal`s defensive issues.
PSG vs. Aston Villa
Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Kvaratskhelia`s arrival has significantly boosted PSG`s Champions League chances, making them a top contender.
Man of the match: Vitinha – Vitinha is a vital, underrated player for PSG. His good performances often lead to PSG victories.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Aston Villa 1 – PSG, now focused on the Champions League after winning Ligue 1, should overcome Aston Villa, though Villa might keep it close.
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele to score (+125) – Dembele, in excellent scoring form, is likely to score in a home game where PSG will aim for a quick start.
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Player to watch: Maximilian Beier – Beier, in great form in the Bundesliga, could be a threat to Barcelona`s defense in a fast-paced game.
Man of the match: Raphinha – Raphinha aims to bounce back after a quiet game. Champions League is the perfect stage to perform.
Prediction: Barcelona 3, Borussia Dortmund 1 – Barcelona, with strong attack led by Lewandowski and Yamal, are favored against Dortmund, though Dortmund might score.
Best bet: Raphinha to have 2+ shots on target (-105) – Raphinha is expected to step up in the Champions League and test Dortmund`s defense with multiple shots on target.
