New Delhi: As the competition to become the European champions heats up, the 2024–25 Champions League semi-finalists will be announced. The drama, suspense, and calibre of Europe’s top sport, which consistently captivates fans worldwide with high-stakes matches where the world’s best showcase their skills, were all present in last week’s first legs. Since the initial meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday ended without any deadlocks, a variety of leads need to be safeguarded this week. Conversely, as they attempt to pull off historic comebacks, four teams are hoping to summon some of the legendary magic of the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (12:30 AM IST)
When Barcelona visits Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night for the second leg of their quarterfinal match, they will almost certainly officially reserve their spot in the Champions League semi-finals. Following their humiliating defeat of their sorry guests in Catalonia, La Blaugrana boasts a four-goal aggregate advantage from the first meeting last week. Dortmund, aware that the damage has already been done going into the match at Signal Iduna Park, was unable to handle Hansi Flick’s team’s attacking power.
Barcelona, who are arguably the favourites to win Europe’s top competition this season, will be feeling quite confident going into their match against Dortmund after strengthening their hold on the top spot in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over Leganes over the weekend. When their inescapable place in the final four is assured, they will play either Bayern Munich or Inter. In the weekend’s Der Klassiker, Dortmund drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich, a fair result after their humiliation at Barcelona. At the end of an incredibly disappointing season, the outcome barely preserves their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Predicted Lineups:
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-1-2): Kobel; Sule, Can, Anton; Ryerson, Ozcan, Gross, Svensson; Brandt; Guirassy, Beier.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Prediction: BVB 1-2 FCB
Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain (12:30 AM IST)
The focus moves to Villa Park as Aston Villa gets ready for one of their most important European evenings in recent memory. There, the Premier League underdogs will have to overcome a daunting 3-1 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. After taking the lead in the first leg, PSG’s attacking prowess and a late goal from Nuno Mendes that seemed like a gut blow finally overtook Unai Emery’s team in Paris.
It’s either now or never for Villa. They can make it to the semi-finals, but they need to be flawless, and hopefully PSG isn’t. Emery’s home record for Aston Villa in Europe is a real boost. A squad that gains respect in front of its own supporters is demonstrated by the fact that they have only lost once in 13 home games. Notably, they have lost to both Juventus and Bayern Munich this season, which supports the idea that Villa Park is difficult to visit, even for the best players in Europe.
However, PSG is not your typical top team. They are a formidable team that is now entirely focused on the Champions League after brutally defeating Liverpool in the previous round. Villa was unable to restrict Ousmane Dembélé in the first leg, but Luis Enrique’s club has a combination of flair and tactical discipline. Keeping Dembélé silent is the first thing Villa must do if they hope to succeed. It may seem easy in theory, but it will be extremely difficult in practice.
Predicted lineups:
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction: AVL 1-1 PSG
Where to watch the two matches?
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals Dortmund vs Barcelona and Aston Villa vs PSG will be broadcasted live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD channels in India. Fans can catch the live streaming on the SonyLiv website and app.
As we prepare for the next leg of Champions League quarter finals, it will be Barcelona facing Dortmund and Villa hosting PSG in tonight’s second leg fixtures. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
