Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid became the first teams to qualify for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League semi-finals following decisive second-leg performances on Tuesday night.
Paris Saint-Germain breezed past Liverpool with a 2–0 victory at Anfield, mirroring their first-leg result for a commanding 4–0 aggregate win. Ousmane Dembélé proved to be the difference-maker, scoring both goals late in the second half. His first came in the 71st minute, followed by a clinical finish in the 90th to silence the home crowd and secure a semi-final date.
In a high-stakes clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid edged out 10-man Barcelona to advance 3–2 on aggregate. Despite losing the second leg 1–2, Atlético’s two-goal cushion from the first leg proved vital. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres gave Barcelona hope with early goals, but Ademola Lookman’s 31st-minute strike for Atlético restored their aggregate lead. Barcelona’s comeback efforts were severely hampered when Eric Garcia was sent off in the second half, allowing Diego Simeone’s side to hold firm under pressure.
"We knew we had to suffer, but this team has the heart to survive against the best," Simeone stated during his post-match press conference. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique praised his side's discipline, telling reporters that PSG is "exactly where we planned to be at this stage of the season."
As PSG and Atlético celebrate their progression, the remaining two quarter-final spots are currently being contested. Real Madrid currently leads 2–1 against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, bringing the aggregate score to 3–3. Simultaneously, Arsenal and Sporting CP remain locked in a 0–0 stalemate at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners holding a narrow 1–0 aggregate advantage.