Ranking the 4 possible Champions League final matchups | OneFootball

As the weather gets warmer and the season changes into spring, there are many things to look forward to. At the top of the list for fans of the beautiful game is the Champions League, with the semi-final round set to kick off next Tuesday. An exciting knockout phase has left Barcelona, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain as the four remaining teams. With each team having their own niche, there are still many different ways that this Champions League story reaches its final conclusion.

1. Barcelona vs. PSG.

Raphinha celebrating a last minute winner against Celta Vigo with Lamine Yamal | Alex Caparros/GettyImages

If you are a fan of possession based soccer, this would be a dream come true. Barça and Paris are 2nd and 4th in percentage of possession this season in the Champions League with 63.5% and 59.8% respectively. Both teams don’t just possess the ball, but score at an exceptionally high rate. This prowess was on full display in both teams' quarter-final victories. Each team scored five goals across both legs and should provide fireworks if they were to meet in the final. Another interesting dynamic would be Hansi Flick’s high line vs. the front four of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué. Would the German manager adapt his tactics? This matchup would be a chess match between two high-powered teams led by two tacticians in Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique. There is also the storyline with Dembélé and Enrique being formerly of Barcelona, which would add some more fuel to the fire.

2. Barcelona vs. Arsenal

Arsenal celebrating a historic 2-1 win over reigning champions Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg | David Ramos/GettyImages

This matchup might not have the flair of PSG vs. Barça, but it certainly still packs a punch. While Barcelona still have trophies to collect domestically, Arsenal are all but locked into their league position, with the Gunners already out of both domestic cup competitions. These two sides have a rich history in this competition, with their last matchup being a 5-1 win for Barça in the 15/16 quarter-finals. A win would be Arsenal’s first European trophy, with the Catalonians denying the London club once before in the 04/05 season. This matchup also provides an interesting look tactically. Arsenal are one of the world’s best defensive teams. Across all competitions this year, the Gunners have only conceded 27.2 xG, second to only Bayern. That defensive strength would be put to the test against an attack which has some of the best individual talent in the entire world. Barça currently have four of the top six spots as favorites to win the Ballon D’or. Raphinha leads the pack in first, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri taking 4th through 6th.

3. PSG vs. Inter Milan

Nuno Mendes celebrating with Bradley Barcola - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg | Dan Istitene/GettyImages

Watching a final between Paris and Inter strikes a strong resemblance to the theoretical debate of “Unstoppable force meets immovable object”. After squeaking into the play-off round, PSG have since turned  into arguably the most entertaining team in the tournament. The Parisians have accumulated 29.7 expected goals this campaign, second to only Bayern. On the flip side, Inter have been just as successful, but in a far different way. In its recent 4-3 win over Munich, Inter only averaged 39.% of possession, resorting to counter-attacks (quite successfully I might add). This matchup would be unfamiliar and historic for many reasons. A potential PSG vs. Inter final would be the first time that these clubs have faced one another in a competitive match, with their only battles coming in pre-season friendlies. Despite neither team winning Europe’s top competition since Inter’s 2010 victory over Bayern, it doesn’t mean either side hasn’t seen success in the competition. This decade, PSG have reached the semis twice, with a final loss to Bayern. Inter have also had recent success, having lost the 22/23 final to Manchester City.

4. Arsenal vs. Inter Milan

Inter Milan after beating Bayern Munich - UEFA Champions League | Anadolu/GettyImages

Ranking this matchup last just goes to show how much quality is left in the competition. Despite the perceived “weakness” of both teams going forward, there is still star power to go around for both squads. Bukayo Saka, Lautaro Martínez, Martin Odegaard, and many more highlight the individual quality of both sides. However, while both teams are good going forward, it is the defensive abilities of both teams which still the headlines. Arsenal have given up a Champions League best 0.89 xG/90 this season, with Inter sitting in fourth spot with a stout 1.08 xG/90. This is also the only matchup which consists of teams who have faced off this season. In the group phase, Arsenal traveled to the San Siro and faced a resolute Inter Milan team. In a game which featured just a combined 2.2 non penalty xG, it was Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s spot kick which gave the home side the narrow 1-0 win. Inzaghi and Arteta might be new to the managerial side of things, but it hasn’t stopped either side from finding success.

Many fans are calling this the most exciting semi-final phase in many years, and for good reason. It feels as though any of the remaining four teams could finish as champions. This competition has provided many magical moments, and it seems like this year will become yet another in a collection of storied memories.