Bayern Munich and Arsenal secured the final two spots in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday night, joining Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid in a final four that promises a new chapter of European football history.
Bayern Munich emerged victorious from a seven-goal thriller at the Allianz Arena, defeating Real Madrid 4–3 on the night to claim a 6–4 aggregate victory. The result marks the first time in 25 years that the Bavarian side has defeated the 15-time champions both home and away in a single European campaign.
The match began with high drama as Arda Güler capitalised on a Manuel Neuer error to put Madrid ahead within 45 seconds. However, Bayern responded through Aleksandar Pavlović and Harry Kane to lead 2–1. Madrid fought back to a 3–2 lead by half-time, but the momentum shifted when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card. Vincent Kompany’s side made the man advantage count, with Luis Díaz and Michael Olise scoring late goals to seal the victory.
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany praised his side’s resilience in the face of a chaotic first half. Speaking to reporters after the match, Kompany noted that the team remained focused on the plan even after falling behind early. He stated that the performance demonstrated the squad’s mental strength and their ability to punish top-tier opposition when given the opportunity.
In London, Arsenal reached their first Champions League semi-final in nearly two decades after a disciplined 0–0 draw against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The stalemate was enough for the Gunners to progress 1–0 on aggregate, courtesy of Kai Havertz’s late winner in the first leg in Lisbon.
Despite Sporting’s persistent pressure, the Arsenal defence, led by David Raya, held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in 12 matches this competition. The Portuguese side, seeking their first-ever semi-final appearance, were unable to break down a compact Arsenal unit that has yet to taste defeat in the Champions League this term.
The previous evening, Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid formalised their progression with contrasting performances. Ousmane Dembélé was the hero for PSG at Anfield, scoring twice in a 2–0 win over Liverpool. The French champions advanced with a clinical 4–0 aggregate scoreline, ending Liverpool’s European aspirations with a dominant display of counter-attacking football.
In Madrid, Atlético survived a spirited Barcelona comeback to progress 3–2 on aggregate. Despite losing 2–1 on the night, a crucial goal from Ademola Lookman ensured Diego Simeone’s side reached the last four for the first time in nine years. Barcelona had levelled the tie through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres before Lookman’s decisive strike silenced the visiting supporters.
The semi-final bracket is now set. Paris Saint-Germain will host Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes on April 28, with the return leg at the Allianz Arena on May 6. In the other half of the draw, Atlético Madrid will welcome Arsenal to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 29, before the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on May 5.