The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is the most competitive soccer tournament in Europe — and this season has brought many exciting matchups to the table. With the quarterfinals wrapped up, the final four teams have been decided. The first semifinal leg will kick off April 29 and will stream on Paramount+.
- Inter Milan
The Nerazzurri may not have the most strength out of the bunch, but they are a versatile and tactical team. The Serie A leaders managed to beat Bayern München, who haven’t lost to Inter in the UCL since 2011. Forward Lutaro Martinez is in his best shape and complements forward Marcus Thuram well, but the team lacks a solid offense overall. They’re tough to crack in defense, as they didn’t concede any goals in the eight phase games and round of 16 first leg against Feyenoord. They will have to keep their line of defense up in order to put up a fight against Barcelona’s talented strikers.
- Paris Saint-Germain
The French favorites had a strong run this season, defeating Brest by a landslide of 7-0 and crushing previous point leader Liverpool 4-1 in penalties. The team has excelled by focusing on cohesiveness compared to previous years when they relied heavily on individual brilliance. They showed their improvement this season through earning a 60.93% possession rate. With Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos on the front lines, the French powerhouse is sure to put up a spectacular show against Arsenal.
- Arsenal
The Gunners are being talked about all over the media after knocking out Real Madrid — last year’s UCL champions. The odds were against them at the beginning of the season, but their impressive plays made by midfielder Declan Rice and right winger Bukayo Saka have pulled them forward. Their defense under coach Mikel Arteta has become one of the greatest, with center back Gabriel Magalhães having the highest aerial duels win rate of 78.3%. The loss of Kai Havertz has taken a toll on the team overall, but they’re well rounded and are set to be a formidable opponent.
- Barcelona
The La Liga leaders have had a rollercoaster of a season, from losing their first game against Monaco to beating Borussia Dortmund — last year’s UCL runner ups — 3-1. However, Barça managed to make it into the semifinals for the first time in six years. The team has proven to have a strong offense with forwards like Raphinha, who scored 12 goals, and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal who shined brightly with his strategic plays this season. Unfortunately, the team’s leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski obtained a hamstring injury and is set to return in three weeks, meaning he’ll have to miss the first leg against Inter Milan. With the loss of one of its core athletes, the team’s synergy and unpredictability may shine through, but it will need to find a way to break down Inter’s defense coming April 30.
