The stage is set for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, following Wednesday's draw that outlined an electrifying lineup of matches. Real Madrid will face Arsenal, with the first leg scheduled to take place in London on either April 8 or 9. The return leg follows a week later, on April 15 or 16. As teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals, each quarterfinalist is guaranteed a prize of 12.5 million euros ($13.6 million).
Real Madrid's matchup against Arsenal is not the only high-profile fixture in the quarterfinals. Paris Saint-Germain will host Aston Villa in Paris for their first leg, while Bayern Munich will take on Inter Milan at their home stadium, which will also serve as the venue for the competition's final on May 31. The lineup is completed by Barcelona, who are set to clash with Borussia Dortmund.
These fixtures promise thrilling encounters as teams from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France battle it out for a place in the semifinals. Notably, no team from outside these countries has reached the Champions League final since Porto's victory in 2004. The stakes are high as semifinalists stand to earn an additional 15 million euros ($16.3 million), adding to the already significant financial incentives of progressing further in the tournament.
The first leg of all quarterfinal matches will occur on April 8 or 9, with return games scheduled for one week later. Each game is anticipated to draw considerable attention, given the prestigious history and competitive spirit of the clubs involved. Bayern Munich's stadium will not only host their match against Inter Milan but also provide a preview of the atmosphere expected at the final.
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