Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Bayern in the semifinals, with matches scheduled for 28/4 and 6/5. In the other semifinal, Atletico will play Arsenal on 29/4 and 5/5. The two winning teams will meet in the final at the neutral Puskas Arena in Hungary on 30/5.

When asked by the newspaper Il Giornale about the top contender, Ancelotti stated, "PSG is my choice."

Coach Ancelotti while leading Real. He is shaking hands with Jude Bellingham after their victory against Barca in La Liga's 32nd round on 21/4/2024. Photo: AFP

According to the Brazil national team coach, PSG maintains a good balance between attack and defense. In contrast, Bayern relies too heavily on high pressing, conceding many avoidable goals.

Ancelotti, who holds a record of five Champions League titles, further analyzed: "The Atletico - Barca and Bayern - Real matches provided exciting moments for fans. However, many goals also mean many mistakes from defenders and goalkeepers. Teams need to build their play effectively from the back. Otherwise, they will pay the price for even a moment of carelessness."

In the quarterfinals, Bayern defeated Real in both matches, with scores of 2-1 at Bernabeu and 4-3 at Allianz. Despite these victories, the German team faced several precarious situations. In the second leg, Real led three times, and the outcome could have been different had the visitors not lost Eduardo Camavinga to a foolish red card in the 86th minute.

Dembele (black shirt) takes a shot during PSG's victory over Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg on 14/4, at Anfield, Liverpool, England. Photo: Reuters

Drama also unfolded in the Atletico - Barca tie. In the first leg, coach Hansi Flick's high-pressing style left Barca vulnerable to Atletico's counter-attacks, leading to a red card for Pau Cubarsi and two conceded goals. In the second leg, the Catalan team again paid for their aggressive attacking approach, conceding a goal and receiving a red card for Eric Garcia, ultimately losing their two-goal advantage and the tie 3-4 on aggregate.

While Bayern and Barca showed defensive vulnerabilities, PSG kept clean sheets in both quarterfinal matches, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory over Liverpool. Coach Luis Enrique has developed a high-intensity playing style that balances attack and defense. Crucially, he requires attacking players to track back and support defensive efforts, thereby reducing pressure on the defenders and goalkeeper.

Last season, PSG progressed through the knockout rounds by defeating Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. In the final, the Paris-based team decisively beat Inter 5-0 to claim their first Champions League title.

Thanh Quy (according to Il Giornale)