Football
16 Apr 2025
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Champions League quarter-finals – how it stands & route to final

But comeback kings say they 'will get it done' After the first leg at the Emirates, Real's England star Jude Bellingham said: "One place where crazy things happen is our house." Speaking at Tuesday's news conference, Bellingham added: "It's a night that's made for Real Madrid. "A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world. Hopefully we can add another special night." No Champions League campaign epitomised that more than in 2021-22, when Real pulled off sensational fightbacks against PSG, Chelsea and then Manchester City in one of the most incredible runs in the competition's history. Last season they were minutes away from losing their semi-final tie with Bayern Munich before turning things around with two late goals at the Bernabeu. In both of those campaigns, Ancelotti's side went on to win the competition. "We know we're strong at home with our fans," said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. "If we score one or two, quickly... I think it's possible." It is that 'never say die' attitude that has served Real so well over the years.

Aston Villa’s Champions League dreams were ended on Tuesday despite an impressive fightback as PSG booked their place in the semi-finals.

The French side, who progressed 5-4 on aggregate despite losing 3-2 at Villa Park, could next face Arsenal, who are in a strong position to reach the last four.

The Gunners have a 3-0 lead over Real Madrid going into the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

In the other quarter-final ties, Barcelona reached the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win against Borussia Dortmund, who won the second leg 3-1, while Inter Milan face Bayern Munich in Italy on Wednesday after winning the first leg 2-1.

Highlights of every Champions League game are available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Route to the final

When are the Champions League semi-finals and final?

The first legs of the semi-finals take place on 29 and 30 April, with the return fixtures on 6 and 7 May. The final takes place on 31 May at Allianz Arena in Munich.

Is a Clasico final possible?

Yes.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have never met in a Champions League final or European Cup final before.

But, being on the opposite sides of the draw, they could meet in the final.

England secure a fifth Champions League spot

England are top of the coefficient table and Arsenal’s win over Real ensured the Premier League would get an extra spot in the Champions League.

That means the top five in the Premier League will all play in next season’s Champions League. However, there could be seven English teams if Arsenal win the competition, but finish outside the top five in the Premier League, which is unlikely, and either Manchester United or Tottenham win the Europa League.

The second additional Champions League spot is likely to go to either Italy’s Serie A or Spain’s La Liga, although Germany’s Bundesliga still has an outside chance of getting the extra place.

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