Only four teams are left in this year`s UEFA Champions League, with the semifinals kicking off at the end of April. Arsenal will play Paris Saint-Germain, both aiming for their first Champions League trophy, while Inter Milan and Barcelona will clash in a battle of European giants.
Just 180 minutes, or perhaps more, remain before we know who will compete in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at Munich`s Allianz Arena on May 31st. Before then, let`s evaluate and rank the possible final pairings now that the semifinal matchups are set.
4. PSG vs. Inter
Even as the lowest-ranked potential final, this matchup is still very exciting. It shouldn`t be considered the `worst`, but rather the least spectacular, though it`s still a fantastic prospect. We could see a PSG team trying to complete their project, similar to Manchester City`s success a couple of seasons prior. Inter, also finalists two seasons ago, have maintained a high level, making shrewd signings like Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer.
PSG has improved more dramatically than any other team in recent months, transforming from perceived underachievers to genuine contenders. Despite losing Kylian Mbappe, they`ve surprisingly gotten stronger. Key players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have showcased their brilliance, Joao Neves is recognized as a top midfielder, Ousmane Dembele is fulfilling his potential, and Bradley Barcola shows immense future promise. This final could be full of skill and goals, which would be thrilling to watch.
3. PSG vs. Barca
This matchup is packed with storylines. Dembele previously played for Barcelona, and PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, famously managed the legendary Barcelona team with Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. Barcelona`s current coach, Hansi Flick, was in charge of Bayern Munich when they defeated PSG in the Champions League final during the pandemic. Both teams possess incredibly talented squads, suggesting a potentially high-scoring final like 4-3, as neither side is known for impenetrable defense.
This final would be an excellent showcase of the world`s best young talent, especially Barcelona`s prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has an impressive 31 goal contributions this season. He would be looking to follow up his European Championship success last summer by leading Barcelona back to the pinnacle of European football, a position they haven`t held for a decade.
2. Arsenal vs. Inter
This is a truly compelling contest between two historic clubs with rich European history. Inter has won the Champions League three times, but with the financial dominance of English clubs and the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, there have been questions about when an Italian team could again reach the top. If any Italian team can, it`s this dynamic and well-organized Inter side. They have recent final experience and would aim to apply the lessons learned. For Arsenal, reaching the final would be an unexpected dream achievement after overcoming numerous injuries.
With stars like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard facing off against Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and others, this matchup promises a tactical battle, but with the speed and skill to produce spectacular moments.
1. Barcelona vs. Arsenal
How could this not be the top choice? It`s been almost 20 years since Arsenal and Barcelona met in the 2006 final at the Stade de France. Sol Campbell`s goal gave Arsenal hope, despite Jens Lehmann`s early red card. However, goals from Samuel Eto`o and Juliano Belletti secured Barcelona`s second Champions League title, their first since 1992. Both clubs have been striving to return to this level, achieving it faster than many anticipated. Not long ago, Barcelona`s financial difficulties seemed to hinder their European ambitions, while Arsenal were rebuilding under Mikel Arteta. Yet, both teams have demonstrated this season that they have the potential to compete at the highest level, with Barcelona capable of dominant victories and Arsenal proving their defensive solidity against top teams like Real Madrid.
That 2006 final undoubtedly lingers in the minds of Arsenal fans, who wonder what might have been without the red card. This is a chance for redemption against a team that evokes painful memories. It`s an opportunity to create new history against a Barcelona team that, while experienced in some areas, also features many young players new to this stage.
Imagine a game with Saka, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal on the wings for 90 minutes. An end-to-end clash between these two teams would be a football spectacle.
