Champions League Semi-Finalists Revealed: Discover the Contenders

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 16, 2026 4:18 PM ET

Champions League Semi-Finalists Revealed: Discover the Contenders

Four teams remain in the race for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. Each side must negotiate a two-legged semi-final to reach the Budapest final. Matches begin on 28 April and conclude on 6 May, all starting at 21:00 CET.

Semi-final schedule

First legs: Tuesday 28 April — Paris vs Bayern München.
First legs: Wednesday 29 April — Atlético de Madrid vs Arsenal.
Second legs: Tuesday 5 May — Arsenal vs Atlético de Madrid.
Second legs: Wednesday 6 May — Bayern München vs Paris.

With the Champions League in its penultimate stage, the semi-finalists and contenders will face high-stakes ties. Each club brings distinct strengths and recent form into the last four.

Arsenal (ENG)

Arsenal topped their league-phase group with notable attacking numbers. Their campaign figures include W8 D0 L0 and a goal tally of 23 scored and 4 conceded.

Round of 16: 3-1 aggregate win vs Leverkusen.
Quarter-finals: 1-0 aggregate win vs Sporting CP.
Top fantasy scorer: Gabriel Martinelli (65 points).
UEFA coefficient ranking: 7.
Coach: Mikel Arteta.
Key player: Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal enter the semis unbeaten overall this season. Their defence has been stout and many players have contributed goals.

Why they can go all the way

Arsenal have improved each season in Europe. They combine defensive solidity with variety in attack. That balance makes them genuine contenders.

Atlético de Madrid (ESP)

Atleti produced an attacking group-phase campaign with W4 D1 L3 and scored 17 goals. They advanced through three high-scoring knockout ties.

Knockout play-off: 7-4 aggregate vs Club Brugge.
Round of 16: 7-5 aggregate vs Tottenham.
Quarter-finals: 3-2 aggregate vs Barcelona.
Top fantasy scorer: Julián Álvarez (88 points).
UEFA coefficient ranking: 10.
Coach: Diego Simeone (in charge since December 2011).
Key player: Julián Álvarez.

Álvarez has been prolific in Europe, scoring regularly across recent campaigns. Atlético also boast goal contributions from a long list of players.

Why they can go all the way

Diego Simeone’s side blend defensive organisation with flexible attacking options. Their depth and multiple scorers give them tactical adaptability.

Bayern München (GER)

Bayern displayed a powerful attacking group phase with W7 D0 L1, scoring 22 goals. They produced emphatic knockout results to reach the semis.

Round of 16: 10-2 aggregate win vs Atalanta.
Quarter-finals: 6-4 aggregate win vs Real Madrid.
Top fantasy scorer: Harry Kane (88 points).
UEFA coefficient ranking: 1.
Coach: Vincent Kompany (in his second season).
Key player: Harry Kane.

Kane has scored at remarkable rates in recent Champions League matches. Bayern have regained a sense of attacking menace under Kompany.

Why they can go all the way

Bayern’s fluid 4-2-3-1 base can transform as needed. Their firepower and tactical flexibility make them formidable opponents.

Paris (FRA)

Paris had a mixed league phase but surged after the knockout rounds. They scored 21 goals and conceded 11 in the group phase.

Knockout play-off: 5-4 aggregate vs Monaco.
Round of 16: 8-2 aggregate win vs Chelsea.
Quarter-finals: 4-0 aggregate win vs Liverpool.
Top fantasy scorer: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (99 points).
UEFA coefficient ranking: 5.
Coach: Luis Enrique.
Key player: Ousmane Dembélé.

Paris are the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy last season. They have reached the semi-finals three seasons running, a first for a French club.