The European semi-final stage is set across all three UEFA competitions, featuring heavyweight clashes, surprise packages and first-time contenders.
From Champions League giants to Europa Conference League underdogs, every tie carries huge stakes as clubs edge closer to continental glory and a place in the history books.
Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain’s title defence faces the sternest challenge yet, even though they overcame Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool in the opening two knockout rounds.
Luis Enrique’s all-conquering side will trade tackles with record-time Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in a mouth-watering semi-final tie, having already lost to them in this season’s league phase.
Both sides are dominant domestically, but ascending to the European throne remains the ultimate prize, adding extra weight to this blockbuster showdown.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
Arsenal were in contention for an unprecedented quadruple until mid-March, but they are now staring down the barrel of another trophyless season, especially after Sunday’s defeat at Manchester City.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side ‘lost an opportunity to win’ at the Etihad Stadium, casting major doubt on their hopes of ending a two-decade Premier League drought.
Lifting a maiden Champions League title would soften the blow, but beating Diego Simeone’s star-studded Atletico Madrid side could be easier said than done.
Europa League
Braga vs Freiburg
Braga fought back from a two-goal disadvantage to beat Real Betis in the quarter-finals to reach the last four for the first time since losing the 2011 final to domestic rivals Porto.
Semi-final debutants Freiburg made light work of Celta Vigo in the previous round, hammering them 6-1 on aggregate to secure their first-ever last-four appearance in a major UEFA competition.
Given Freiburg’s modest continental history, it’s no wonder that this will be their first clash against Braga, whose only previous European trophy came in the 2008 Intertoto Cup.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Despite being embroiled in a chaotic survival fight in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest stunned Porto to book their place in a European semi-final for the first time in 42 years.
The Tricky Trees, who won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980, face former European champions Aston Villa in an all-English tie, with both sides seeking their first triumph in Europe’s second-tier competition.
While they’ve never tasted success in the Europa League, Villa boss Unai Emery is intimately familiar with this competition, winning the title four times while in charge of Sevilla and Villarreal.
High on Manchester United’s list of targets, Emery’s Europa League pedigree suggests he could leave Villa Park in style in case this proves to be his farewell season in the Midlands.
Aston Villa are the bookmakers’ betting favourites for the Europa League – and for more insights, check out the tips from betting professionals at TipsGG to get a better view of the value bets in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League (as discussed below).
Europa Conference League
Rayo Vallecano vs Strasbourg
La Liga minnows Rayo Vallecano squeezed past Greek giants AEK Athens in the quarter-finals and will feature in a major European semi-final for the first time in the club’s history.
With Inigo Perez’s side stuck in La Liga’s lower reaches, winning the newest club competition in European football remains Vallecano’s route to securing continental football next season.
However, they cannot underestimate Strasbourg, who pulled off a remarkable second-leg comeback against Mainz to reach the semi-final of a major European competition for the first time ever.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace
Shakhtar Donetsk have advanced to the semi-finals of a UEFA competition for the first time since the 2019/20 season after outplaying AZ Alkmaar in the last eight.
Crystal Palace will put Shakhtar’s continental credentials to the test after eliminating Fiorentina en route to the semi-finals in their inaugural appearance in a major European competition.
After leading the club to FA Cup glory last term, Oliver Glasner could wave goodbye to Selhurst Park in memorable fashion by guiding the Eagles to an unforgettable European final.
