Four clubs, two ties and a Budapest final: the Champions League semi-finals are set
The last four takes shape
Wednesday night's quarter-final second legs completed the picture. Bayern Munich produced another blockbuster in their tie with Real Madrid, winning 4-3 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate in a match that had everything: Eduardo Camavinga's red card, Luis Diaz levelling in the 89th minute, and Michael Olise settling matters in stoppage time. Arsenal's evening was far quieter. A goalless draw against Sporting at the Emirates was enough to protect the 1-0 first-leg lead earned by Kai Havertz's late finish in Lisbon.
The semi-final draw, already determined by the bracket, pairs Arsenal with Atletico Madrid and PSG with Bayern Munich. First legs take place on April 28 and 29, second legs on May 5 and 6, and the final in Budapest on May 30.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: control meets chaos
This is a tie between two of European football's best defensive units, and they go about their business in very different ways. Arsenal's Champions League record this season reads 12 matches unbeaten with just five goals conceded and 27 scored. They lead the Premier League by six points. Mikel Arteta's side are comfortable in possession, dangerous on transitions, and increasingly ruthless at the back.
Atletico got here by knocking out Barcelona over two legs, winning 3-2 on aggregate after Ademola Lookman's first-half goal in the second leg proved decisive. Diego Simeone's approach has barely changed in a decade: defend deep, stay compact, and hurt teams on the counter. The question for Arsenal is whether their creative players can find gaps in the most organised defensive block in world football. The question for Atletico is whether they can live with Arsenal's sustained pressure for 180 minutes without cracking.
PSG vs Bayern Munich: attack against attack
If the Arsenal-Atletico tie promises tension and tight margins, this one promises goals. PSG dismantled Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, with Ousmane Dembele scoring twice in the second leg at Anfield to kill the tie early. They have looked the most complete attacking side in the competition this season.
Bayern will not be fazed. Their win over Real Madrid was built on a willingness to go toe-to-toe with one of the biggest clubs in the sport's history, and Olise's form this season has been sensational. Both teams fancy themselves as the best remaining side in the draw, and neither will sit back. That should make for two absorbing legs.
The semi-finals are two weeks away. For Arsenal, it is the furthest they have been in this competition since 2009. For PSG, the holders, it is a defence they intend to see through. For Bayern and Atletico, it is one more chance to prove they belong at the top table. Budapest awaits.
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