UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Predictions – First Leg Overview

The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League has reached its thrilling quarter-final stage, with only eight clubs left for Europe’s top football prize. This week’s first-leg fixtures promise high drama, with two matches on Tuesday and another two on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Arsenal will host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in a rare European clash between these giants. It's only their third meeting, with Arsenal famously knocking Madrid out in the 2005–06 round of 16. Despite never winning the Champions League, Arsenal head into this tie with confidence.

The other Tuesday fixture sees Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich face Serie A’s top side, Inter Milan. These two have history, with Inter having eliminated Bayern in both of their previous knockout meetings, including their famous 2010 final victory. Bayern boasts a 22-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League, which gives them the edge in Munich.

Wednesday’s action features the tournament’s current favourites, Barcelona, who host Borussia Dortmund. Barça, who won the title in 2016, are backed heavily to make the semi-finals. Historically dominant over Dortmund, Barcelona are unbeaten in five meetings, including a 3-2 group-stage win earlier this season. Under Hansi Flick, they’ve also enjoyed total dominance over BVB, with Flick holding a perfect 6-0 record against them. Raphinha, with 16 goal contributions in 10 UCL games, is key to Barça’s attacking threat.

The final tie of the round pits Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa. It’s their first competitive meeting, but Unai Emery, now managing Villa, knows PSG well after a trophy-laden spell with the club. However, he has a poor record against PSG boss Luis Enrique, having won just two of their 10 meetings. Villa also face a daunting away record in France, never having won in five previous visits. As a result, we give PSG a commanding chance of winning the first leg, therefore reaching the semi-finals.

The stage is set for four high-stakes first-leg battles as Europe’s elite edge closer to the final.

TOTAL ODDS - 8.00