The final stretch of the Champions League is drawing closer than ever. After the first two second-leg matches of the quarterfinals, two teams have already secured their spots in the semifinals, the penultimate step before the Budapest final on May 30 at the Puskás Arena.
Atlético Madrid became the first Spanish side to advance after a frenetic 1-2 victory over Barcelona, overturning their first-leg deficit. Diego Simeone’s team now awaits their semifinal opponent, which will come from the Arsenal vs. Sporting CP clash. Meanwhile, in the other tie played tonight, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool 0-2, sealing a 4-0 aggregate triumph. The French champions will face the winner of Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid in the semifinals.
Real Madrid fell 1-2 to Bayern at home in the first leg, leaving them trailing in the tie. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern now have the advantage and will look to secure their semifinal place in front of their home fans. As for Arsenal, a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz (0-1) gave them a narrow lead over Sporting CP, so Mikel Arteta’s side will aim to finish the job at the Emirates, while the Portuguese dream of springing a surprise.
**Quarterfinal First Leg Results**
– Real Madrid 1 – 2 Bayern Munich
– Sporting CP 0 – 1 Arsenal
– Barcelona 0 – 2 Atlético Madrid
– PSG 2 – 0 Liverpool
**Quarterfinal Second Leg Results & Upcoming Matches**
– Atlético Madrid 1 – 2 Barcelona (Atlético advance 3-2 on aggregate)
– Liverpool 0 – 2 PSG (PSG advance 4-0 on aggregate)
– Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (Wednesday, April 15, 21:00 CEST)
– Arsenal vs. Sporting CP (Wednesday, April 15, 21:00 CEST)
**Semifinal Bracket and Potential Matchups**
On the silver side of the draw, PSG, after knocking out Liverpool, will face the winner of Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich, with the Germans holding a one-goal advantage from the first leg.
On the other side of the bracket, the blue route, if Arsenal preserve their lead against Sporting CP, they will meet Atlético Madrid in the semifinals. The Rojiblancos advanced past Barcelona with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Tags: Champions League, UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, Arsenal FC, Sporting Portugal, PSG, Liverpool FC