The 2023/24 Champions League heats up! With the first leg of the semi-finals complete, we analyze the remaining matches using statistics and recent transfers to predict who will lift the coveted trophy at Wembley Stadium on June 1st.
Dortmund Or PSG?
Borussia Dortmund surprised many with a narrow 1-0 victory at home against PSG. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe spearheaded the French attack, but they struggled to convert their chances. However, with 23 goals and 17 assists between them in Ligue 1 this season, PSG’s attacking duo shouldn’t be underestimated. The return leg at Parc des Princes will be crucial.
Can Dortmund, with their passionate home crowd of 81,365 (highest average attendance in Bundesliga) hold their lead, or will Mbappe and Dembele’s firepower prevail?
Read Also: Why Real Madrid Never Won A Treble?
Bayern Munich Or Real Madrid?
The other semi-final saw a thrilling 2-2 draw between Bayern Munich, now under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel, and Real Madrid. The Bavarians controlled much of the match, but a late comeback by Real Madrid leaves the tie wide open.
History favours the Spanish side, who are known for their dramatic comebacks in European competitions. However, Bayern shouldn’t be written off.
Under Tuchel, they boast an impressive attacking record, averaging 3.1 goals per game in the Bundesliga. Leading the line is the newly acquired Harry Kane, who has scored 43 goals in 43 matches so far this season.
Who Will Reach the Final?
Based on the first leg results and statistical analysis, here’s a breakdown of each team’s chances:
Borussia Dortmund: Their passionate home support and a strong defensive performance give them a good starting point. But questions remain about their ability to handle Mbappe and Dembele’s attacking threat away from home. (Dortmund conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game in the Bundesliga)
Paris Saint-Germain: Despite the first-leg loss, their attacking duo (23 goals and 17 assists combined in Ligue 1) is a constant threat. A strong showing at home could see them overturn the deficit, especially with the Parc des Princes faithful behind them.
Bayern Munich: Their experience under Tuchel, squad depth, and attacking prowess (averaging 3.1 goals per game) make them strong contenders. They’ll look to build on their first leg performance to try to silence the Bernabéu crowd.
Real Madrid: Never count out the “comeback kings” of Europe. They’ll need a flawless performance at home, especially from Vinicius Jr., who has been their talisman with 13 goals so far this season.
The return legs promise to be exhilarating clashes. With so much at stake, especially for a Borussia Dortmund side potentially losing their talisman Marco Reus at the end of the season, we’ll have to wait and see who emerges victorious and books their place in the Champions League final at Wembley!
Nonetheless, Real Madrid look like they are on their way to win the Champions League yet again.
