Champions League quarter-final draw set as Barcelona & PSG learn opponents | OneFootball

The identity of the final eight teams left in this season's Champions League is now known.

The quarter-final draw was made at the same time as the last 16 ties were chosen last month, with the last eight fixtures locked in following the conclusion of the round of 16. The semi-finals were also drafted then, too, as the entire remaining knockout bracket was mapped out.

Paris Saint-Germain, Europe's form team right now, made perhaps the biggest statement in the last 16. They deservedly dumped Liverpool out of the competition after being the better side over two legs, in a tie that wouldn't have been out of place in a much later round.

Now, Aston Villa stand in their way of only a fourth semi-final appearance in 30 years. But for Villa, this is also a huge opportunity. The 1982 champions are competing on this stage for the first time since their defence of that title ended at the hands of Juventus the following season, but have thoroughly impressed so far and have a UEFA knockout master at the helm in Unai Emery.

Arsenal's quarter-final place was assured at the halfway stage of their last 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven, 7-1 up on aggregate after only one leg had been played. The Gunners have seen their Premier League title challenge go up in smoke after a few recent domestic wobbles, but are determned to go deep in Europe. Real Madrid is the ultimate challenge, however.

There was nothing to separate the holders and city rivals Atletico over 210 minutes, with the tie that has twice been the final in recent memory, going all the way to penalties.

Barcelona feel truly back this season. The Catalans, guided by 2020 winner Hansi Flick, have only been beyond the quarter-finals once since their last triumph in 2015, a full decade ago. Benfica were ultimately no match in the last 16 for a team spearheaded by Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and surprise but justified Ballon d'Or contender Raphinha.

Next up is 2024 runners-up Borussia Dortmund, not having a good Bundesliga season, but conquerors of Sporting CP and Lille in the knockout rounds so far an in possession of the competition's second top scorer this season: Serhou Guirassy (10 goals).

Last but not least is a repeat of the 2010 final, when Jose Mourinho's Inter completed a historic treble by besting Louis van Gaal's Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu.

Bayern narrowly avoided extra-time with a knockout play-off wobble against Celtic, but proved much more convincing winners, 5-0 on aggregate, over domestic rivals Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. Inter, losing finalists in 2023, were pretty comfortable 4-1 aggregate winners over Feyenoord.

This season's Champions League final is set for Saturday 31 May at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Quarter-final ties will be played on 8/9 and 15/16 April.

Semi-final ties will be played on 29/30 April and 6/7 May.