The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world football, captivating fans across the globe with its thrilling matches, dramatic comebacks and historic moments.
The 2024-2025 edition of the Champions League has reached its eagerly anticipated quarter-final stage, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs set to battle for a spot in the semi-finals.
For football fans across the globe, the excitement is particularly palpable, as some of the best players in Europe will compete to win the greatest prize of all.
From the holders Real Madrid, with their rich history of European success, to the contenders PSG and Arsenal, and even the eye-catching underdogs Aston Villa, the upcoming quarter-finals promise to be an exciting spectacle.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of the four thrilling matchups, providing a preview for each match as we predict who will come out on top and make it to the semi-finals. We’ll also take a closer look at the odds, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible price with Tonybet.
PSG vs Aston Villa
The first quarter-final clash of the Champions League pits Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa. Not many expected the English club to make it this far in the competition, but Unai Emery’s side have been impressive from the very first group stage match.
After finishing eighth, Villa were rewarded with a place in the round of 16, where they comfortably dispatched Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate. Marco Asensio, on loan from Real Madrid, scored two in the second leg and the Spaniard has been very impressive since arriving at Villa Park.
Only Morgan Rogers has scored more goals (three). Rogers, who has flourished for Villa this season, has also contributed three assists in the Champions League, and PSG will need to watch the 22-year-old carefully.
Under the guidance of their manager Unai Emery, Villa have shown resilience and quality, and have produced a series of remarkable upsets that have put them on the map. While they may not have the same individual star power as PSG, their collective strength and tactical discipline have proven to be a potent force.
PSG, perennial contenders in the Champions League, are once again chasing their first European trophy, and they are doing it in an era post-Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. The Parisian club have a star-studded squad filled with young talent though, and their attacking prowess is one of the best in Europe. However, the French giants have often faltered in the latter stages of the competition, leaving many to wonder if this will be their year. This is a new-look PSG side that has put faith in youngsters rather than big household names – and it looks to be paying off, especially after they knocked out the favourites Liverpool in the last round.
PSG are the clear favourites to progress to the next round. With the depth of their squad and their recent dominance in Ligue 1, Aston Villa will once again have to take their performance to the next level in order to compete. However, Villa’s tenacity and the unpredictability of knockout football could make this a closer contest than many expect.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal
In one of the most exciting fixtures of the quarter-finals, Real Madrid will face off against Arsenal in what promises to be a classic European showdown. Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history with 14 titles, are always a threat.
Led by Carlo Ancelotti, this is a team filled with experience and class, and the Spanish giants are aiming to add another trophy to their already stellar collection. Their pedigree in the competition is unmatched, and they will no doubt be the team to beat. With a front line of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé – and with Jude Bellingham in behind – Arsenal are going to have an incredibly difficult job keeping them quiet over the two legs.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are continuing to grow under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship. After years of rebuilding, as well as missing out on the Champions League altogether, the Gunners have rediscovered their form and are now one of the top teams in England.
Captain Martin Ødegaard dictates the play alongside Thomas Partey and Declan Rice, while youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are exciting talents who have forced their way into the first team this campaign.
However, where Arteta’s side may fall short is their lack of attacking options. Mikel Merino is currently leading the line, alongside Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal don’t have a world-class striker, whereas Real Madrid have a fair few.
Real Madrid are the clear favourites to progress to the semi-finals and it isn’t difficult to see why. This is one of the best Madrid sides in recent years, and they have shown time and time again how to win football matches, fight back and come out on top. Arteta’s side are well and truly up against it.
Barcelona vs Dortmund
Another intriguing quarter-final pairing features Barcelona, the Spanish giants, taking on Borussia Dortmund, the formidable Bundesliga side. Barcelona, despite some recent struggles, remain one of the most iconic clubs in world football. With young stars including Pedri and Gavi alongside seasoned professionals such as Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona possess a blend of experience and youthful flair and are capable of beating anyone in the world on their day. Their possession-based style of play, combined with their attacking threat, makes them a tough proposition for any opponent – and Dortmund may struggle to contain them.
Borussia Dortmund, known for their aggressive attacking football, have been one of the standout teams in the Bundesliga. Their high-pressing game and quick transitions could catch Barcelona off guard if they are not careful. Although they are going under the radar in this year’s Champions League, Dortmund were finalists last season for a reason, and they will pose a serious challenge to the Catalan giants.
Overall, Barcelona are expected to brush Dortmund to one side comfortably over the two legs. However, Dortmund’s ability to attack with speed and precision makes them a team that cannot be underestimated, and this match-up has all the makings of a thrilling contest.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
The last quarter-final clash pits Inter Milan against Bayern Munich, two heavyweights of European football. Inter Milan have been solid in the Champions League this season, with a defence that is difficult to break down and an attack that can exploit any weaknesses in opposition defences. Led by Lautaro Martínez, Inter have the firepower to trouble Bayern Munich, who have shown fragility throughout the group stage. Inter’s disciplined, counter-attacking approach could be key against the Bavarian giants.
Bayern Munich, however, are still a force to be reckoned with in Europe – mainly due to their forward Harry Kane, who continues to write his own headlines and win football matches for his team.
With an incredible mix of experience and youthful talent, including Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané, Bayern’s attacking style is lethal. Known for their high press and relentless offensive play, Bayern have the ability to overwhelm teams and pick them off late on.
Bayern Munich enter this match as the favourites, given the strength of their squad, but it would be foolish to rule out Inter at this stage. The Italian side have a solid defensive strategy and clinical counter-attacking play, which could pose a real threat to the German side.
Predictions for the fixtures
As we look ahead to these quarter-final matches, let’s take a quick glance at the odds provided by Tonybet to get a sense of what the bookies are predicting for these matchups:
PSG vs Aston Villa
PSG are heavy favourites at 2/5 to beat Aston Villa in the first leg, and are as short as 2/9 to qualify before a ball has been kicked.
However, for those who believe that Aston Villa can spring a surprise, Unai Emery’s team are 6/1 to win in Paris, or for those who think that they can take a positive result back to Villa Park, you can currently get 3/1 for them to qualify for the semi-finals.
The French club look prepared and ready to go far this time around, and even without Kylian Mbappé, their new-look, young side have shown that they have what it takes – and this may be the end of the road for Villa.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Arsenal have an extremely difficult job in their quarter-final. Playing at the Emirates first, they are the favourites at 13/10 to win the first leg, while you can back Real Madrid to win in North London at 2/1.
However, Real Madrid are 8/15 to qualify for the semi-finals, with many believing that they will be able to beat the Gunners comfortably in their own backyard. Real Madrid have been superb at home so far in the Champions League – especially when they hammered Manchester City 3-0 – and this might just be where we say goodbye to Arteta’s side.
Barcelona vs Dortmund
Similar to PSG, Barcelona are 2/5 favourites to win the first leg at home before travelling to Germany. Although they were last year’s finalists, Dortmund haven’t been as impressive this time around, and it’s safe to say that Barcelona have grown into the tournament. Their performances against Benfica were particularly eye-catching.
They also have Lamine Yamal, who continues to show why he’s one of the most exciting talents in world football, and the young Spaniard can help take his team to the semi-finals.
Bayern vs Inter
Bayern Munich are 4/5 favourites to beat Inter at home, but this looks to be the closest quarter-final to call. Both teams have impressed, yet they have also shown weaknesses to their game throughout the tournament. Perhaps Bayern are favourites due to their attacking players.
Inter will be a tough nut to crack at the San Siro though, and if they only suffer a one-goal loss on the road in the first leg, they will believe that they can pull off a minor shock and make the final four.
While it’s hard to predict the exact outcomes, one thing is certain: the Champions League quarter-finals will be filled with drama, surprises and moments of magic that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. For those looking to stay up to date with the latest odds and developments, Tonybet is an excellent resource for tracking the odds and placing your bets as the action unfolds.
