Champions League Quarterfinals: Real Madrid and PSG Face English Challenges
As the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals bracket was set on Wednesday, the stage is set for some thrilling encounters. The draw has positioned Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain against formidable English opponents, promising a captivating journey toward the coveted title.
Real Madrid, the defending champions, have already showcased their resilience by overcoming city rivals Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout during the round of 16. This victory came after Atlético’s 1-0 win tied the aggregate score at 2-2. Madrid had previously eliminated Manchester City in the new knockout playoffs round last month, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in this competition.
Now, Madrid is set to face Arsenal, who secured their spot in the quarterfinals by defeating PSV Eindhoven. The first leg of this highly anticipated clash will take place in London on April 8 or 9, with the return game scheduled for April 15 or 16. Fans are eagerly awaiting this showdown, as both teams have a rich history in European competitions.
Meanwhile, PSG’s reward for eliminating top-seeded Liverpool on Tuesday is a matchup against Aston Villa. The first leg will be held in Paris, and the winner over two legs will advance to face either Arsenal or Madrid in the semifinals. This potential clash could see Kylian Mbappé facing his former club, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
In another exciting quarterfinal matchup, Borussia Dortmund will reunite with their former star forward Robert Lewandowski as they take on Barcelona. Dortmund’s journey to the quarterfinals saw them rally to beat Lille on Wednesday, setting the stage for an exciting encounter in Spain.
Adding to the excitement, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan will face off in a rematch of the 2010 final, which was won by the Italian champions. The first leg of this clash will take place at Bayern’s stadium, which will also host the final on May 31.
The quarterfinals draw has left only the five wealthiest leagues in Europe represented, as expected exits for Brugge and PSV, following the eliminations of Benfica and Feyenoord, have narrowed the field. No team from outside England, Spain, Germany, Italy, or France has reached the Champions League final since Porto, coached by Jose Mourinho, triumphed in 2004.
UEFA will distribute almost €2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in total prize money among the 36 Champions League teams this season. The 20% higher payouts this season are expected to widen the wealth gap in European soccer. England and Spain are also in line for bonus fifth places in the Champions League next season, which will send tens of millions more in prize money to these leagues.
Each quarterfinalist will receive 12.5 million euros ($13.6 million), and a place in the semifinals will earn an additional 15 million euros ($16.3 million).
Quarterfinals Draw
- Arsenal vs Real Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan
First-leg games are scheduled for April 8 or 9, with return games one week later. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await these thrilling encounters, each promising to deliver unforgettable moments on the road to the final.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
