pril 16, 2025 | UEFA Champions League Preview

The 2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals are officially set after a dramatic quarterfinal round that saw Arsenal eliminate Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain outlast Aston Villa, Inter Milan edge Bayern Munich, and Barcelona advance past Borussia Dortmund.

Here’s a full breakdown of expert predictions for the semifinal ties, which will take place on April 29-30 and May 6-7.

Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain

First leg: April 29 | Second leg: May 7

Expert Predictions:

Mark Ogden: PSG’s attacking power and midfield dominance could expose Arsenal, especially with Thomas Partey suspended.
Prediction: PSG advance, 3-2 on aggregate

James Olley: Arsenal’s momentum is impressive, but PSG’s superior depth and Partey’s absence tilt the tie toward the Parisians.
Prediction: PSG advance, 2-1 on aggregate

Rob Dawson: Arsenal’s resilience will be tested against PSG’s counterattack and midfield quality.
Prediction: PSG advance, 4-3 on aggregate

Julien Laurens: PSG’s experience and firepower, sharpened by surviving a scare against Aston Villa, make them slight favorites.
Prediction: PSG advance, 5-3 on aggregate

Sam Marsden: Arsenal’s defensive performance against Madrid was elite. If they control the first leg, they can edge PSG.
Prediction: Arsenal advance, 2-1 on aggregate

Alex Kirkland: Arsenal’s tactical maturity and counterattack threat, led by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, give them a chance to upset PSG.
Prediction: Arsenal advance, 3-1 on aggregate

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan

First leg: April 30 | Second leg: May 6

Expert Predictions:

Sam Marsden: Managing the Copa del Rey final and this semifinal will be a challenge, but Barcelona’s quality should prevail in a penalty shootout.
Prediction: Barcelona advance on penalties, 3-3 on aggregate

Mark Ogden: Inter Milan’s defensive structure and experience could frustrate Barcelona over two legs.
Prediction: Inter Milan advance, 2-1 on aggregate

James Olley: Barcelona’s attacking talent gives them an advantage, especially with a strong first-leg result.
Prediction: Barcelona advance, 3-1 on aggregate

Rob Dawson: Inter’s ability to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm makes them a genuine threat if they take a lead back to San Siro.
Prediction: Inter Milan advance, 3-2 on aggregate

Julien Laurens: Barcelona’s offensive firepower, led by Pedri and their wide players, should be enough to outscore Inter.
Prediction: Barcelona advance, 3-2 on aggregate

Alex Kirkland: Despite a packed schedule, Barcelona’s technical superiority should see them through over two legs.
Prediction: Barcelona advance, 3-2 on aggregate

Summary: Who Advances?

• Arsenal vs. PSG: Slight advantage to PSG according to most experts, but Arsenal’s defensive strength makes this tie extremely competitive.

• Barcelona vs. Inter Milan: A tight battle expected, but most predict Barcelona’s attacking edge and confidence will prevail.

Both semifinal matchups feature intriguing contrasts: explosive attacks against disciplined defenses, young rising stars against seasoned European veterans. Fans can expect two thrilling ties as the road to the 2025 Champions League final continues.