March 13, 2025– Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid have both secured their spots in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after intense Round of 16 battles. While the two European giants won’t face each other in the next stage, a potential semi-final showdown remains a thrilling possibility.
PSG’s Path to the Quarter-Finals
PSG faced Liverpool in a high-stakes Round of 16 encounter. After a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes, PSG traveled to Anfield, where Liverpool responded with a 1-0 win of their own. With the aggregate score tied at 1-1, the match went into extra time but remained deadlocked. The contest was ultimately decided by penalties, where PSG triumphed 4-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappé, who is widely expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, played a crucial role in the victory, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in the penalty shootout sealed the win for the Parisians.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Last Eight
Real Madrid’s Round of 16 clash against Inter Milan was just as dramatic. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Milan, while the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu also finished 1-1, forcing extra time and eventually a penalty shootout. Madrid emerged victorious with a 4-2 win in the shootout, with veteran midfielder Luka Modrić converting the decisive penalty.
Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham continued to be instrumental in Real Madrid’s campaign, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered a stunning performance to deny Inter’s penalty takers.
Quarter-Final Fixtures and Possible Semi-Final Showdown
In the quarter-finals, PSG will face Aston Villa, who have been the surprise package of the tournament. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will take on Arsenal in what promises to be an exciting encounter between two attack-minded teams.
Should both PSG and Real Madrid win their quarter-final ties, they could potentially meet in the semi-finals, setting up a highly anticipated clash between two of Europe’s most dominant clubs. This would reignite their fierce rivalry, which has seen numerous memorable encounters in past Champions League seasons.
Current Form and Domestic Performance
Both teams remain strong contenders in their domestic leagues. PSG leads Ligue 1, with Mbappé’s form being a key factor in their dominance. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits at the top of La Liga, maintaining their edge over Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in the title race.
As the Champions League progresses, all eyes will be on PSG and Real Madrid, with fans eagerly anticipating a potential semi-final blockbuster. Stay tuned for more updates as the road to the final in Munich continues!