Preview: Champions League Semis Showdown

Wembley Stadium set to crown a new champions league winner after Manchester City’s exit.

With the reigning champions, Manchester City, now out of contention, European football fans eagerly anticipate the crowning of a new Champions League winner at Wembley Stadium on June 1.

Real Madrid, a powerhouse with a rich history of European success, thwarted Pep Guardiola’s aspirations of achieving a historic back-to-back treble in the quarter-finals.

The Spanish giants emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shoot-out, exacting revenge on the perennial English champions and securing their spot in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive season.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich advanced to the last four by defeating Premier League contenders Arsenal. Joshua Kimmich’s decisive header propelled the Bavarians to a 2-1 aggregate victory, showcasing the strength and resilience of European teams in elite competition.

This season’s Champions League has witnessed a shift in power, with European teams making their mark on the continental stage. Even as Bayern Munich faced challenges in the Bundesliga, relinquishing an 11-year dominance to a formidable Bayer Leverkusen side led by Xavi Alonso.

During an exclusive interview with Flashscore, Marek Kabat, Football Data Analyst & Consultant, spilled the beans, hinting that Real Madrid and PSG are poised as the ultimate challengers for the Champions League semi-final showdown.

Borussia Dortmund defied expectations by overcoming Los Blancos’ cross-city rivals, Atletico Madrid, in the Champions League quarter-finals. Despite a 2-1 first-leg deficit, Dortmund fought back valiantly, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory and booking their spot in the semi-finals.

The quarter-finals also saw Barcelona falter against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), succumbing to a 4-1 defeat at home in a rematch reminiscent of the famous 2016 ‘Remontada.’

As a result, PSG are set to face off against Dortmund in what promises to be an electrifying semi-final clash. Meanwhile, another blockbuster encounter awaits as the two European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich set to lock horns in a knockout tie for the first time since Madrid’s memorable 4-3 aggregate triumph in 2018.

Dubbed as the Reyes de Europa (Kings of Europe) in their home country, Los Blancos are on the brink of potentially claiming a record-extending 15th Champions League crown, with just three games standing in their way.

This season has been marked by Carlo Ancelotti’s quest for revenge, with Madrid avenging last season’s semi-final defeat by eliminating Manchester City. They have also been nipping at Barcelona’s heels in La Liga, showcasing their hunger for success on multiple fronts.

For Real Madrid, no challenge seems insurmountable, even amidst a transitional period highlighted by the emergence of talents like Jude Bellingham in top-tier football.

The last time Madrid faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League, they boasted a star-studded lineup including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema. Today, only Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos remain from that squad, as Ancelotti’s revamped team aims to etch their names in history.

Despite changes, this Madrid giants are no stranger to European glory, having clinched the Champions League title in 2021/22 with Vinicius Junior’s decisive goal against Liverpool.

On the other side, Bayern Munich are determined to avoid their first trophyless campaign in over a decade. With the Champions League their last chance for silverware this season, the Germans are motivated to upset Madrid’s aspirations.

Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been formidable forces in this season’s ‘group of death,’ overshadowing clubs like AC Milan and Newcastle United before navigating past three Spanish opponents in the knockout stages.

Edin Terzic’s Dortmund squad showcased their resilience by staging a comeback against Atletico Madrid, following a narrow victory over PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, the Persians demonstrated their strength by defeating Barcelona and Real Sociedad convincingly.

As the runaway leaders in Ligue 1, PSG are heavily favoured to secure their place in the Wembley final, having lost just one of their six encounters against Borussia Dortmund (W2, D3).

Despite years of significant investments, PSG are yet to claim continental supremacy, making this season potentially their best opportunity before bidding farewell to Kylian Mbappe, their talismanic forward.

While Dortmund’s progression appears challenging, PSG are expected to fulfill their end of the bargain in this eagerly anticipated Champions League semi-final encounter.