PSG vs Bayern and Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal. The Champions League semifinals are now confirmed and will feature one representative from each of Europe’s major leagues—Germany, France, Spain and England—with Italy the only top competition not represented. The new Champions League format has produced as balanced a scenario as possible.
PSG and Bayern will open the semifinals on April 28 in Paris, while Atlético and Arsenal meet in Madrid a day later. The return legs will be played in reverse order: first in London on May 5, before concluding in Munich on May 6.
Two compelling matchups with plenty of history behind them, even if they do not boast an abundance of European titles. Bayern have won six, PSG one, while neither Atlético nor Arsenal have ever lifted the trophy.
Bayern vs PSG the standout tie
The Bayern vs PSG clash is, on paper, the standout tie. In recent years it has become something of a modern classic, with the sides facing each other for three straight seasons. They already met earlier in this edition of the Champions League during the league phase at the Parc des Princes, where Bayern won 2-1.
There is also the recent Club World Cup quarterfinal in Atlanta, where PSG beat Bayern 2-0 in a match remembered for Jamal Musiala’s serious ankle injury following a reckless challenge by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Last season, PSG struggled in Munich during the league phase and lost 1-0, although they later went on to lift the trophy—also in Munich—the same stadium where they will now try to secure a second straight final. Two years ago, in the round of 16, Bayern were clearly superior, beating PSG both in Paris (1-0) and in Germany (2-0), in what proved to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the French club in the competition.
Atlético’s Champions League chances
This will be the third time Arsenal and Atlético Madrid have met in European competition. Their most recent meeting came earlier this season in the league phase, with a dominant 4-0 win for the Gunners. The previous encounter, however, brings back fond memories for Atlético.
It came in the 2017/18 Europa League semifinals, a competition eventually won by Diego Simeone’s side. The first leg in London ended 1-1 after a goal from Antoine Griezmann, and the return leg in Madrid turned into a celebration following a 1-0 win (Diego Costa) that sent Atlético through to the final in Lyon.
Arsenal, however, are not the same team they were at the start of the season. They have seen their lead in the Premier League slip away through a series of setbacks, and in the Champions League they no longer resemble the side that finished top of the league phase.
They struggled to get past Sporting CP in the quarterfinals and also had difficulties against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. That said, Mikel Arteta is expected to welcome back several injured players, most notably Bukayo Saka. It appears unlikely, however, that a key figure like Mikel Merino will be fit in time.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.