Champion’s League Semi Final Contenders

King Hudson and Nicholas Kane • April 30, 2026

REUTERS/via SNO Sites/David Klein

Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Round 16 – Second Leg – Tottenham Hotspur v Atletico Madrid – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – March 18, 2026 Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann during the warm up before the match REUTERS/David Klein

With the Champions League quarterfinals wrapping up on Wednesday, April 15, the semifinal matchups are now set, and fans have a clearer idea of how the rest of the tournament should play out. The first legs began on Tuesday, April 8, featuring top clubs like FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool FC.

The matchup between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid was especially anticipated due to their previous matches this season. Atlético took control in the first leg with a 2–0 win, putting Barcelona in a tough position heading into the second leg. Barcelona responded quickly, scoring two early goals thanks to Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. However, Atlético managed to score a crucial goal, keeping them ahead on aggregate. Despite creating several chances, Barcelona couldn’t find the back of the net and were ultimately eliminated.

In the other matchup, PSG dominated Liverpool in a one-sided match. Paris Saint-Germain won both legs 2–0, finishing with a convincing 4–0 aggregate victory over Liverpool FC.

One of the most anticipated matchups of the quarterfinals was FC Bayern Munich versus Real Madrid CF. The first leg ended in a 2–1 victory for Bayern Munich. In the second leg, Real Madrid responded quickly with a goal just 40 seconds into the match, leveling the aggregate score. The game looked promising for Real Madrid until late in the match, when Eduardo Camavinga received a red card. Down to 10 men, Real Madrid struggled to contain Bayern’s attack, allowing Bayern to score two more goals and secure the series win.

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The final quarterfinal matchup featured Arsenal FC against Sporting CP. Arsenal won the first leg 1–0, and the second leg ended in a scoreless draw, giving Arsenal a 1–0 aggregate victory.

With the quarterfinals complete, the Champions League semifinals are set to feature exciting matchups: Bayern Munich vs. PSG and Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid. STA Freshman, and Arsenal fan, Malachi Loriston, believes that Arsenal will defeat Atlético Madrid and go on to beat whoever they face in the final!

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About the Contributors

King Hudson, Staff Writer

King is a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas. This is his first year on the Raider Review staff. As a staff writer, he covers Pro sports. King’s favorite part of being on the Raider Review is the wide variety of topics he is able to cover. He plays soccer. His favorite movie is “2 Fast 2 Furious.”

Nicholas Kane, Staff Writer

Nicholas is a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas. This is his first year on the Raider Review staff. As a staff writer, he covers sports. Nicholas’s favorite part of being on the Raider Review is making new friends. He plays soccer. His favorite movie is “Sophia Grace and Rosie’s Royal Adventure.”