The stage is set for the this season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final fixtures taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Barcelona are the teams that made it to the last-4 stage.
NEWSUNPLUGKE reports that Arsenal will host PSG in the Champions League semi-final first leg tie on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium by 8pm, Nigerian time.
On Wednesday, Barcelona will welcome Inter Milan at Camp Nou by 8pm, Nigerian time.
All fixtures promise to be exciting as all four teams will be hoping to get the better of their opponents when the games begin.
NEWSUNPLUGKE takes a look at the semi-final matches this week:
Arsenal vs PSG
Arsenal had knocked out holders Real Madrid in the quarter-final stage, while PSG eliminated Aston Villa.
The Gunners head to the game following a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League in their last match.
Mikel Arteta’s team currently sit in the second position on the Premier League table behind champions, Liverpool.
Arsenal is in good form in the Champions League so far this season.
PSG, on the other hand, is also in good form in Champions League so far this season.
Luis Enrique’s side head to the game after losing 3-1 against Nice in the French Ligue 1 last Friday.
PSG have already won their domestic league this season.
The last time PSG and Arsenal met was on October 1, 2024 in the Champions League group phase fixture.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka helped the Premier League side ease to a 2-0 home win over PSG at Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
Barcelona had knocked out Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final stage, while Inter Milan eliminated Bayern Munich.
The Blaugrana head to the game following a 3-2 win against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at the weekend.
Hansi Flick’s side currently sit on top of the LaLiga table with four points ahead of second position Real Madrid.
The Catalan club is in good form in the Champions League so far this season.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, is also in good form in the Champions League so far this season.
The Nerazzurri head to the game after losing 1-0 against AS Roma at home in the Serie A encounter on Sunday.
Inter are in the second position in the Serie A table with three points behind leaders Napoli at the moment.
Speaking with NEWSUNPLUGKE on Monday, Femi Fabunmi, the Editor of EkoHotBlog, gave his view on the four teams that made it to the semi-final stage.
He noted that this season’s Champions League is different with the traditional teams not making it through to the last-4.
Fabunmi said, “This year’s Champions League is somehow different with the traditional teams not making it through to the semi-final.
“Truth is, it gives it a whole new look with the mindset that we could have a fresh winner or having a team who hasn’t won it in more than a decade winning it.
“The likes of PSG and Arsenal are looking to win their first UEFA Champions League, while Inter Milan and Barcelona hope to consolidate on their previous Champions League to nick it.
“Whichever way it goes, there will be a fresh perspective to it,” he stated.
When asked for the two teams that could advance to the final and if fans should expect any shock result in the semi-final, Fabunmi added: “Arsenal have the capacity to make it to the final.
“Having lost out in the league title and other cup competitions, the Gunners are condemned to win the Champions League.
“Moreso, I see Inter Milan making it down to the final.
“Both teams have shown resilience and fighting spirit.
“However, Barcelona is another team with the trappings of a winner based on its recent run of form, but I am of the opinion that Inter Milan can usurp them and be in the final,” he said.
NEWSUNPLUGKE reports that the return leg fixtures will take place next week.
