Champions League quarterfinals power rankings: PSG take top spot

The Champions League quarterfinals kick off this week with eight teams plotting their route to European glory. Real Madrid are the defending champions, but there is a sense that the field is more open than in previous seasons. Anyone could win the whole thing.

Here are the final eight ranked in terms of their chances of finishing the season as Champions League winners.

1. Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain made a statement of intent by seeing off Liverpool in the round of 16. Luis Enrique has moulded a team in his own image with the recently crowned French champions now a serious continental force.

The frontline of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is fearsome while Joao Neves and Vitinha have forged arguably the strongest midfield partnership in European soccer. This is a different PSG team, but one that appears better suited to go the distance in the Champions League.

2. Barcelona

There is no team anywhere in Europe as entertaining as Barcelona right now. Hansi Flick’s team have scored 32 goals in just eight Champions League matches with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal all in sparkling form.

Flick’s insistence on a high defensive line means opponents always stand a chance of getting in behind Barcelona, but at their best the Catalans are capable of out-scoring any team. They are widely expected to get past Borussia Dortmund and make the semi-finals of the competition at the very least.

3. Bayern Munich

Vincent Kompany’s approach has turned Bayern Munich into the most dominant possession team in Europe with the Bavarians serious contenders to win the Champions League for the seventh time in their history. Bayern certainly have the attacking talent to become European champions this season.

Harry Kane has 34 goals in all competitions to his name while Michael Olise has settled in quickly following his transfer from Crystal Palace last summer. Like Barcelona, Bayern Munich play with a high defensive line which was exposed by Celtic in the last 16, but Kompany’s team are built to operate at the elite level.

4. Real Madrid

It would be foolish to discount Real Madrid from Champions League contention considering their incredible record in the competition. The 13-times European champions frequently come to light under the continental spotlight, but Carlo Ancelotti’s team enter the quarterfinal against Arsenal in underwhelming form.

While Kylian Mbappe continues to put up impressive numbers in his debut season as a Real Madrid player, there has been a knock-on effect for Vinicius Junior who is struggling to impact games. What’s more, defensive injuries have hit Los Blancos hard. Ancelotti might not have the right balance to go any further.

5. Arsenal

This season has been a disappointing one for Arsenal. The Gunners were never really in the Premier League title race and failed to make much of a run in the cup competitions. And so the success or failure of Arsenal’s season will hinge on whether or not they can go the distance in the Champions League.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are recently back from injury, giving Arsenal a timely boost in the attacking third. Mikel Arteta’s approach will give the Gunners control in the centre of the pitch, but can they find enough of a creative spark to make their mark against the strongest of opponents?

6. Aston Villa

It’s already been a season to remember for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s team have won seven of their 10 matches in the Champions League and have proven themselves as more than good enough for this level of the European game. Villa will be tricky opponents for PSG in the quarterfinals.

The January additions of Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen have given Aston Villa another dimension in the attack. Emery’s approach has made Villa difficult to break down. They are also capable of controlling games in midfield and scoring goals through the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. They could go even further.

7. Inter Milan

Having made the Champions League final two seasons ago, Inter are determined to go one step further in the competition this season. Simone Inzaghi’s team are leading the way at the top of Serie A and are experienced at the elite level of continental competition. They will be tricky to topple.

However, there are concerns over Inter’s ageing midfield. What’s more, the Nerazzurri have suffered a series of injuries to important players. Lautaro Martinez recently returned to action, but is still finding match sharpness. This could rob Inter of the cutting edge they had earlier in the campaign. Nonetheless, their defensive record is among the very best.

8. Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund started the season with Nuri Sahin in charge. Now Niko Kovac is at the helm and this in itself says something about the way the 2024/25 campaign has panned out for the Black and Yellows. Indeed, it’s been a volatile period and Dortmund face a difficult Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona.

However, Dortmund made an unexpected run to the final of last season’s Champions League despite struggling for domestic form. Kovac’s team are on a run of three wins from their last four games and still have the attacking threat to cause problems. Finding the right balance in midfield and defence, however, has proved troublesome.