EUROPEAN SEMI-FINALS ARE SET!

 EUROPEAN SEMI-FINALS ARE SET!

Get ready for epic clashes in the ChampionsLeague, EuropaLeague, and ConferenceLeague!

Conference League Real Betis vs. Fiorentina First Leg: May 1, 2025, at Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville Second Leg: May 8, 2025, at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence Real Betis reached their first-ever European semi-final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Jagiellonia Białystok, with Cédric Bakambu scoring crucial goals. Fiorentina, two-time runners-up, advanced with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Celje, sealed by Moise Kean’s decisive strike. This tie pits Betis’ disciplined defense against Fiorentina’s attacking flair, with X posts highlighting Betis’ historic run and Fiorentina’s experience.

Djurgårdens IF vs. Chelsea First Leg: May 1, 2025, at Tele2 Arena, Stockholm Second Leg: May 8, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, London Djurgårdens made history as the first Swedish side to reach this stage, overcoming SK Rapid 4-2 on aggregate with Tobias Gulliksen’s extra-time heroics. Chelsea progressed despite a 2-1 second-leg loss to Legia Warsaw, thanks to a 3-0 first-leg lead, with Tyrique George among the scorers. Chelsea’s depth makes them favorites, but Djurgårdens’ resilience could pose a challenge.

See also: Rúben Amorim: “We have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League... we have to focus on the Europa League.”

Champions League Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain First Leg: April 29 or 30, 2025, at Emirates Stadium, London Second Leg: May 6 or 7, 2025, at Parc des Princes, Paris Arsenal stunned holders Real Madrid with a 5-1 aggregate win (3-0 at home, 2-1 away), showcasing tactical discipline despite injuries to Gabriel and a lack of a natural striker. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were pivotal, with Declan Rice dominating midfield. PSG narrowly edged Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate (3-1 home, 2-3 away), relying on their potent attack led by Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal previously beat PSG 2-0 in the league phase, but PSG’s home advantage in the second leg is seen as significant, with X posts noting their attacking depth could exploit Arsenal’s defensive absences. Predictions vary: some analysts favor PSG (4-3 aggregate) for their midfield control (Vitinha, João Neves), while others back Arsenal (3-1 aggregate) for their resilience and Saka’s flair

See also: ON THIS DAY IN SPORT HISTORY: Cristiano Ronaldo Made History with 100th Champions League Goal

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan First Leg: April 29 or 30, 2025, at Camp Nou, Barcelona Second Leg: May 6 or 7, 2025, at San Siro, Milan Barcelona advanced with a 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund (4-0 home, 1-3 away), boasting the competition’s most prolific attack (37 goals, led by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal). Inter Milan ousted Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate (2-1 away, 2-2 home), with their stingy defense (five goals conceded, eight clean sheets) and fluid attack (Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram) shining. Inter’s low-block style, which beat Arsenal 1-0 in the league phase, could frustrate Barcelona’s fluid offense, but Barca’s home form and counter-attacking prowess (eight counter-attack goals) make them favorites. Analysts are split: some predict Inter’s defensive nous will prevail (2-1 aggregate), while others see Barcelona’s attack overwhelming them (aggregate win). The first leg’s timing, post-Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final, may impact their energy.

See also: Arsenal and Inter Milan Eyed for UEFA Champions League Final Clash in Munich.

Europa League Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bodø/Glimt First Leg: May 1, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Second Leg: May 8, 2025, at Bodø/Glimt's home ground Tottenham advanced with a 2-1 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt, thanks to a Dominic Solanke penalty. Bodø/Glimt made history as the first Norwegian team to reach the semi-finals, stunning Lazio 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao First Leg: May 1, 2025, at San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao Second Leg: May 8, 2025, at Old Trafford Manchester United pulled off a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory over Lyon, with extra-time goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire. Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-0 win over Rangers, with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams, leveraging their strong home form.