Champions League Quarter Finals (Second Leg)

The following article contains details of the 2024-25 Champions League.

Champions League Quarter Finals (Second Leg)

 

Arsenal v Inter Milan

Arsenal made three changes in the hope of recovering some pride after the 9-0 loss in the first leg. Gabriel Martinelli scored early to give the fans some hope of making the Semi Finals. Player of the Match Kai Havertz made it two goals as they found easy passes around Inter’s defence. Inter had the better attacking chances in the second half, but the 9-2 aggregate score was enough to see Inter through to the final four.

 

PSG v Barcelona

Ousmane Dembélé started PSG’s fightback for being two goals behind early with a through ball straight to him unmarked. The game was up for anyone to win as a result. Robert Lewandowski was marked closely and only had an impact on the match further up the field. After an injury to the striker, it was Lamine Yamal who set up Raphinha as they both stepped up when it counted, the latter scoring with ease. However, Désiré Doué pegged back a goal to take the lead on the night and edge closer to the Semi Finals. Vitinha equalised across the two legs early in the second half, after Dembélé’s efforts on the right wing, and the match looked set for a great finish. Both sides played far more defensively, which worked in the favour of Barcelona, as they attacked when PSG least expected it. Dani Olmo led onto a through ball as additional time started, and ensured a finish for the ages with the outside of his boot, sending Barcelona to the final four.

 

Atlético Madrid v Girona

Girona looked sluggish in this second leg, with Atlético closing down most of their players before they had a chance to set anything up. All attacking shots came from outside the box, where they were either blocked, or were easy pickings for the goalkeepers. In the second half, much of the same took place, though Girona had the upper hand. They had three chances go begging, whilst Atlético had the one. Instead, both matches remained goalless, and extra time ensued; more of the same, with only half chances taking no effect on the score.

 

In penalties,

-             Julián Alvarez scored for Atlético

-             Cristhian Stuani scored

-             Paulo Gazzaniga saved Axel Witsel’s penalty

-             Bojan Miovski scored

-             Thomas Lemar scored

-             Abel Ruiz scored

-             Gazzaniga saved the fourth penalty kick.

-        Ladislav Krejčí scored for Girona to win and advance to the Semi Finals!

 

Liverpool v Real Madrid

Liverpool made one change, while Real Madrid made two changes, hoping to wrestle a Semi Final berth. Poor defence set up Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s change, who slotted with ease for his fourth goal of the campaign. Real Madrid had the better chances, but in the second half, the visitors failed to clear from a corner, and Player of the Match Virgil Van Dijk made sure Liverpool masintained the lead. Real Madrid stayed patient, and Jude Bellingham produced the goods as the aggregate was all square late in the match. Both sides had a chance to win the game, but extra time was inevitable. Liverpool had one chance in the first period of extra time, while Real had three half chances, and Federico Chiesa then blew over the bar with the final kick.

 

Penalties:

-             Jota scored

-             Kylian Mbappé scored

-             Trent Alexander-Arnold scored

-             Rodygo scored

-             Luis Díaz missed his penalty - saved

-             Luka Modrić off the bench in the second half scored

-             Van Dijk scored

-             Bellingham scored

-             Chiesa scored

-       Arda Güler came off the bench late and scored. Real Madrid made it through to the final four.