Can Arsenal and PSG Achieve Their First UEFA Champions League Titles While Barcelona and Inter Milan Seek to Reclaim Their Former Glory?

New Delhi, April 29 (NationPress) The journey to Munich reaches its climax as the UEFA Champions League semi-finals kick off, featuring Arsenal hosting Paris Saint Germain at the Emirates Stadium, while Inter Milan faces FC Barcelona at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys for their first leg clashes.

Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe, PSG secured their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title with a 2-1 victory over Le Havre just ten days ago. With the French championship in their possession, the pressing question was whether they could achieve an unprecedented undefeated league season. However, a 3-1 defeat at home to Lyon dashed those hopes.

PSG remains a formidable 20 points ahead of Marseille in second place and is on track for a historic treble, also reaching the final of the French Cup against Reims. Yet, while their domestic loss to Nice was their only setback this season, they have faced five defeats in the Champions League, even as they reached the semi-finals.

These teams previously clashed in the group stage at the same venue where the Gunners triumphed 2-0.

Manager Mikel Arteta, who played for both Arsenal and PSG, achieved what many thought was impossible by guiding Arsenal to a stunning 5-1 victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. This victory was especially significant as it marked Arsenal's first major knockout win since their return to Europe’s elite competition in 2024, where they had faced elimination by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Although Liverpool clinched the Premier League title on Sunday, extending Arsenal's trophy drought to 21 years, Arteta's squad is determined to secure a spot in the final at the Allianz Arena and lift the trophy for the first time in the club's history.

While the first semi-final promises excitement, the second match showcases two teams with contrasting strategies.

Barcelona leads the tournament in scoring, amassing an impressive 37 goals over 12 matches, averaging 3.08 goals per game. This is six goals more than both Dortmund and Bayern Munich, who are tied in second with 31 goals, but both German teams have already been eliminated from the tournament.

However, Hansi Flick's side should not expect an easy match. Inter possesses the strongest defense in the Champions League, having conceded only five goals in their 12 matches, showcasing their discipline and resilience.

The timing of the semi-final is ideal for Barcelona, who recently celebrated their second trophy of the season with a 3-2 victory over Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, boosting their confidence. In contrast, Inter arrives after a disappointing 3-0 defeat in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

The match between Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 am IST at the Emirates Stadium in London.

FC Barcelona versus Inter Milan will take place on Thursday at 12:30 am IST at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona.

All UEFA Champions League matches are broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and can be streamed on Sony Liv.