By Kwame Bediako
The quarter-finals of the 2024/25 Champions League have concluded, leaving four teams vying for the coveted trophy. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Arsenal are the remaining contenders, with the winner set to be crowned champions of Europe at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. The semi-final draw has paired Arsenal with Paris Saint-Germain, while Barcelona will face Inter Milan in the next round.
New contenders emerge
Two of the semi-finalists, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, are chasing their first-ever Champions League title. Arsenal’s 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid marked their first semi-final appearance in 16 years, while PSG’s win over Aston Villa secured their spot in the last four. Barcelona, seeking their first Champions League trophy in a decade, progressed despite losing 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final second leg, thanks to their 5-3 aggregate lead.
Inter Milan’s narrow victory
Inter Milan edged out Bayern Munich in a tense quarter-final tie, thanks to their narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg. The second leg ended 2-2, with Harry Kane scoring for Bayern, but Inter’s aggregate lead was enough to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Thomas Muller, a Bayern legend, played his last Champions League game for the German side, and possibly his last ever, depending on his future plans.
Semi-final showdown
The semi-final ties will be played on April 29-30 and May 6-7, with the winners advancing to the final in Munich. The draw has set up an intriguing matchup between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, both seeking their first Champions League title. Barcelona and Inter Milan will also face off in the other semi-final, with both teams looking to claim the coveted trophy.
A 50/50 chance of a new winner
With two new contenders, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, in the semi-final, there is a 50/50 chance of a brand new winner lifting the Champions League trophy. The competition has been intense, and the remaining teams will need to bring their A-game to progress to the final.
