UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals: First-Leg Highlights and Second-Leg Prospects
The first legs of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals delivered a thrilling mix of dominance, drama, and surprises. As we look ahead to the return fixtures, here's a rundown of what unfolded and what could come next.
Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
Arsenal stunned the reigning champions with a statement performance. Declan Rice was the hero of the night, scoring two superb free-kicks in the second half. Mikel Merino added a third goal to cap off a near-perfect night for the Gunners. Real Madrid looked out of ideas and couldn't break through Arsenal's defensive shape.
Key Moment: Rice’s first free-kick changed the mood entirely, giving Arsenal full control.
Second Leg Outlook: A three-goal cushion puts Arsenal in the driver’s seat. Real Madrid will need one of their famous European comebacks at the Bernabéu — but the mountain is steep.
Bayern Munich 1-2 Inter Milan
Inter delivered a clinical away performance in Munich. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring before Bayern equalized late through Thomas Müller. Just when Bayern thought they were back in it, Davide Frattesi’s late winner flipped the tie again.
Key Moment: Frattesi’s 88th-minute strike — a perfect example of Inter’s counterattacking threat.
Second Leg Outlook: Inter return to Milan with the advantage, but Bayern's attacking talent makes this tie wide open. Expect fireworks.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa shocked the home crowd by taking the lead through Morgan Rogers, but PSG responded like a true European contender. Goals from Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes turned the match on its head and gave PSG breathing room.
Key Moment: Mendes’ goal in stoppage time — it may prove crucial in the second leg.
Second Leg Outlook: Villa need at least two goals at Villa Park. Doable, but they'll have to contain PSG’s firepower — not an easy task.
Barcelona 4-0 Borussia Dortmund
Total dominance from Barcelona saw them dismantle Dortmund. Raphinha opened the scoring, Lewandowski added a brace, and Lamine Yamal rounded things off. Dortmund were outplayed in every department and looked completely overwhelmed.
Key Moment: Lewandowski’s goal just after the break killed any hope of a Dortmund comeback.
Second Leg Outlook: With a four-goal lead, Barcelona are already packing for the semi-finals. Dortmund would need a miracle.
Second-Leg Fixtures:
April 15, 2025:
- Aston Villa vs PSG
- Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona
April 16, 2025:
- Real Madrid vs Arsenal
- Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
Who’s Looking Likely to Advance?
Favorites: Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG
Too Close to Call: Inter vs Bayern
But this is the Champions League — and if history tells us anything, it’s that the drama isn’t over yet.
Published by Patrick Jane
10.04.2025