LAGOS, Nigeria — Top football clubs Arsenal, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain don finally secure their spot for the semi-finals for this season Champions League. As the competition dey hot up, we go fit look how dem go take battle for the trophy wey go happen for Munich next month.
BBC Sport journalists don share their thoughts and correct predictions, and e be like say PSG dey front as the favorites. One pundit talk say, “Dem get everything — control, structure, counter play, quality, and odas. Only way to beat dem na if dem go dey defend well inside dia box. Barcelona fit do that, and if dem reach final, na final wey go show where football dey go.”
PSG don waka palliative win over Aston Villa for dia second leg, but dem still get correct team spirit with world-class players like Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and crucial young players like Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. Another pundit talk say, “Despite Arsenal’s impressive win against Real Madrid, PSG still be di best team wey don shine for dis competition.”
Inter Milan self don come through as di dark horse wey nobody dey talk about. Dem hold di best defensive record for di competition, and keeper Yann Sommer don keep more clean sheets than any oga. With Lautaro Martinez providing goal threat, dem fit give Barcelona serious wahala in di semis.
“I want make PSG win am, because dem don clear all di big-name players and focus on team work. Dis new PSG wey Luis Enrique build no get show-offs, but dem dey stronger because of unity and structure. Dem show Liverpool say dem no be small fry during di last 16,” one analyst talk.
Arsenal don show resilience dis season, especially after dem beat Real Madrid for di Bernabeu. Dem get proper defensive structure and attack threat from Bukayo Saka. Coach Mikel Arteta don mould dem into the most complete team left for di competition. As one pundit put am, “Beating Real Madrid at their home go give dem another level of confidence.”
Bellingham, Real Madrid striker, don dey feel di pressure as dem dey look for sweet comeback after trailing by three goals. “‘Remontada’ don dey echo for our dressing room as we dey prepare for di second leg.” He talk say dem dey determined to create history, as Madrid don do am before.
Statistics dey shine light on Arsenal’s chances. Opta don give dem 89.7% chance to progress, while Real don lose five times in di competition dis season — a club record. Pundits dey point out say Madrid dey struggle defensively and if dem wan survive dis tie, dem go need a miracle. “I go bet on inexperienced PSG or Arsenal for di final,” one analyst conclude.
For dis Champions League season, na all di teams wey dey remain carry strong hopes, make we see how dem go fare as dem dey fight to lift di trophy come next month.
