The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set, showcasing a collection of elite and accomplished teams. Almost every team remaining in the competition boasts a history of winning the coveted trophy.
Real Madrid, the current Champions League titleholders and the most decorated club in the tournament`s history with 15 wins, are once again contenders after overcoming Atletico Madrid in the round of 16. Bayern Munich and Barcelona, also giants of the Champions League with six and five titles respectively, are in the quarterfinals, aiming to add to their impressive silverware collections. Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund, each with a single Champions League title, are also hoping for significant runs in the competition, particularly Dortmund after reaching last year`s final.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are among the quarterfinalists still seeking their first Champions League victory. Both teams have come close in the past two decades, losing in finals to established champions. They are eager to avoid repeating past disappointments this season.
Here`s a closer look at the Champions League quarterfinalists.
Champions League Quarterfinal Matchups
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
The quarterfinal matches will be played over two legs between April 8th and April 16th.
Bracket
Bayern Munich
Best finish: Champions (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020) – Bayern Munich`s consistent performance has established them as a European powerhouse, with six Champions League titles, tied for third-most all-time. Their most recent triumph was five years ago, defeating PSG 1-0 with a goal from Kingsley Coman.
How they got here: Bayern`s journey to the quarterfinals was somewhat uneven. Their group stage included both dominant wins and surprising losses. However, they secured their quarterfinal spot with a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: Bayern Munich`s current form presents a question mark. Despite a strong Bundesliga lead under new manager Vincent Kompany, inconsistencies in their performances raise doubts about their true strength. Their quarterfinal matchup against Inter will be a significant test of their title ambitions.
Inter
Best finish: Champions (1964, 1965, 2010) – Inter is another European giant with a rich trophy history, although their last Champions League title was in 2010. They defeated Bayern Munich in that final, a memory that might be relevant as they face each other in this season`s quarterfinals. Inter`s treble win in 2010 could be matched this season as they compete for Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.
How they got here: Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter has shown consistency across all competitions, including the Champions League. They performed strongly in the group stage and then comfortably defeated Feyenoord in the round of 16 with an aggregate score of 4-1.
Chances of winning it: Inter could be a dark horse contender. With a well-organized team and talented players like Thuram and Martinez, they have the potential for a deep run. Their recent Champions League final appearance in 2023 and Serie A title win demonstrate their capability. While fitness and matchups will be crucial, Inter is a realistic contender in every game.
Arsenal
Best finish: Runners-up (2006) – Arsenal`s best Champions League performance was reaching the 2006 final, where they lost to Barcelona. They have struggled to advance past the quarterfinals since then. This season, they face a tough challenge against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.
How they got here: Arsenal had a relatively smooth Champions League campaign, performing well in the group stage and decisively beating PSV in the round of 16 with a 7-1 first-leg victory.
Chances of winning it: Pressure is on manager Mikel Arteta to prove Arsenal`s title contention after recent Premier League finishes. The Champions League is now their primary focus. Facing Real Madrid, especially with injury concerns, makes their path difficult, but an upset in the quarterfinals could change their outlook.
Real Madrid
Best finish: Champions (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) – Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League. The 15-time champions consistently contend for the title, even when not at their peak. Their ability to win regardless of performance was evident in their last title run and makes them favorites again this year.
How they got here: Real Madrid`s Champions League campaign had some early challenges in the group stage. They recovered to finish respectably and then defeated Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs. A penalty shootout was needed to overcome Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, but Real Madrid showed signs of peaking at the right moment.
Chances of winning it: Despite some flaws, including finding attacking balance and defensive vulnerabilities, Real Madrid is always a threat. Their intangible qualities and world-class attacking talent often lead to victory. They remain a top contender to win the Champions League again.
Barcelona
Best finish: Champions (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) – Barcelona is another historically significant European club. They won four of their five Champions League titles in a decade, including two under Pep Guardiola. After a period of instability, under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona is looking like a contender again this season.
How they got here: Barcelona started their European campaign strongly, finishing close to the top of their group. A notable 4-1 win over Bayern Munich highlighted their potential. They comfortably progressed through the round of 16 against Benfica.
Chances of winning it: Barcelona may be considered favorites to win the Champions League this season. Despite ongoing financial issues, performances on the pitch have improved significantly under Flick, with key players like Raphinha and Lewandowski in good form. A Champions League title this year would mark a significant milestone for the club.
Borussia Dortmund
Best finish: Champions (1997) – Borussia Dortmund`s only Champions League title was in 1997. Despite reaching the final twice in the last 12 years, they have not added to their tally. They lost to Bayern Munich in 2013 and Real Madrid in last year`s final.
How they got here: Dortmund`s season has been inconsistent, with some losses in the group stage. A managerial change saw Niko Kovac replace Nuri Sahin. They progressed through the knockout rounds, defeating Sporting Lisbon and Lille.
Chances of winning it: Dortmund`s chances of winning the Champions League are slim. Facing Barcelona in the quarterfinals is a tough challenge, and their overall form this season has been unconvincing. While they could focus on the Champions League, replicating last year`s final run seems unlikely.
Paris Saint-Germain
Best finish: Finalists (2020) – The Champions League is PSG`s primary goal since Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011. They reached the final in 2020, losing to Bayern Munich. After defeating Liverpool in the round of 16, they have renewed hope.
How they got here: PSG navigated a challenging group stage and overcame a four-match winless streak. They convincingly defeated Brest and then made a statement by knocking out Liverpool in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: PSG is a dark horse contender. Despite a young and relatively inexperienced team, they have shown good form, especially after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s arrival. While not favorites, they could progress further, but winning the title will require a significant effort.
Aston Villa
Best finish: Champions (1982) – Aston Villa`s history includes the 1982 European Cup win against Bayern Munich. This season marks only their second Champions League appearance since that triumph. They have already matched their 1983 quarterfinal run.
How they got here: Aston Villa`s return to the Champions League has been successful. They performed well in the group stage and easily defeated Club Brugge in the round of 16.
Chances of winning it: A Champions League title seems unlikely for Aston Villa this season. Despite improvements with signings like Rashford and Ascensio, their competitiveness against Europe`s elite is still uncertain. The quarterfinal against PSG will be a test, but it may be too early in their resurgence to be considered serious title contenders.
