The semi-final round of the Champions League is set to ignite excitement on April 29 and 30, 2025, as top European clubs clash in two thrilling matches. On April 29, Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium in London, while Barcelona will face Inter Milan on April 30 at the Estadio Olímpico in Barcelona. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 22:00 Kyiv time.
Arsenal enters the semi-finals with a resounding confidence after their impressive quarter-final performance against Real Madrid, where they triumphed 5:1 on aggregate. In the first leg, they delivered a stunning 3:0 victory at home, with Declan Rice shining brightly by scoring two goals against the legendary club. Even though they faced a setback in the return match, losing 1:2, the aggregate score secured their place in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, PSG had a more tumultuous quarter-final journey. They started strong with a 3:1 win over Aston Villa in the first leg but faced a nail-biting second leg, where they narrowly escaped elimination with a 2:3 loss away from home. Nevertheless, they advanced on aggregate, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The upcoming clash between Arsenal and PSG is particularly intriguing, given the limited history between the two clubs. They have faced off only five times in competitive matches, with Arsenal holding the edge with two wins and three draws. The last encounter took place in the current Champions League season, where Arsenal secured a solid 2:0 victory, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
As the teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the officiating will be handled by Slavko Vinčić from Slovenia. Vinčić is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having officiated 29 matches across all competitions this season, including 10 in the Champions League. His experience will be crucial in managing the intensity expected in this semi-final.
However, Arsenal will face challenges in their lineup. They will be missing six key players due to injuries, including Gabriel, Jesus, Jorginho, Tomiyasu, and Havertz, along with Partey, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, Merino and White are both doubts for the match, further complicating Mikel Arteta's tactical options.
On the other hand, PSG approaches the match with a full squad, ready to capitalize on any weaknesses in Arsenal's lineup. This full-strength presence will be vital as they seek to overcome the Gunners and take a step closer to the Champions League final.
As for the Barcelona vs. Inter Milan match, it promises to be equally captivating. Barcelona, fresh off a quarter-final victory against Borussia Dortmund, showcased their attacking prowess with a 4:0 win at home, though they faced a setback in the second leg, losing 1:3. The aggregate score of 5:3 allowed them to advance, but they will need to maintain their form against a formidable Inter side.
Inter also had a challenging quarter-final against Bayern Munich, where they secured a surprising 2:1 victory in the first leg. The return match ended in a tense 2:2 draw, which allowed them to progress on aggregate. Their recent form shows a team capable of rising to the occasion, making them a tough opponent for Barcelona.
The history between Barcelona and Inter is more extensive, with 16 encounters, 12 of which took place in European competitions. Barcelona has the upper hand with eight victories, compared to three for Inter, and five matches ending in draws. Their most recent clash occurred in the group stage of the 2022/2023 Champions League, where Inter won 1:0 at home, followed by a thrilling 3:3 draw in the return match.
The officiating duties for the Barcelona vs. Inter match will fall to Clément Turpin from France. Turpin has officiated six matches in the current Champions League season, showing nine yellow cards and awarding three penalties. His ability to manage the game will be put to the test as both teams battle for a coveted spot in the final.
Both teams will have to navigate injuries in their squads. Barcelona will be without several key players, including Balde, Bernal, Casado, and Lewandowski, all sidelined due to various injuries. Inter, too, faces challenges with three players—Carboni, Correa, and Thuram—out of action, and Pavard's participation remains uncertain due to an ankle injury.
As the football world gears up for these semi-final clashes, fans can expect thrilling action on the pitch. The outcomes of these matches could set the stage for an exhilarating final, where the winners will face each other on May 31, 2025, for the prestigious Champions League trophy.
With both matches broadcast live on the MEGOGO media service, fans will have the opportunity to witness every moment of the action. Commentators will provide insights and analysis, enhancing the viewing experience as Arsenal and PSG, along with Barcelona and Inter, vie for a place in football history.
As the excitement builds, one thing is certain: the next two evenings promise to deliver unforgettable moments in the Champions League, with teams battling not just for victory, but for their dreams of European glory.
