On a night filled with drama and high stakes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona secured their places in the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
PSG edged Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate despite a valiant comeback effort from the English side, while Barcelona held firm to outlast Borussia Dortmund, advancing with a 5-2 aggregate victory.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa went into the second leg with the task of overturning a 3-1 deficit from the first leg against PSG.
The French giants arrived with confidence, bolstered by goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Nuno Mendes in the first leg.
The second leg began disastrously for Villa, with PSG racing to a 2-0 lead on the night, making the aggregate score 5-1.
However, Aston Villa fought back with goals from Tielemans, McGinn and Konsa to win 3-2 on the night, but trailed 5-4 on aggregate.
Despite their heroics, Villa fell short of winning the tie. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves, including denying Konsa a chance to level the aggregate score. Ian Maatsen’s late volley nearly forced extra time, but PSG held firm, advancing to the semifinals.
PSG’s victory sets up a semifinal clash against either Arsenal or Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, at Signal Iduna Park, Barcelona faced Borussia Dortmund with a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, where Robert Lewandowski’s brace, alongside goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Dortmund struck early with a brace from Guirassy. The German club were looking to come back before Bensebaini scored an own goal to give Barcelona the momentum.
Guirassy would go on to net this third to complete his hat trick. However, Barcelona’s defensive solidity ensured a 3:5 win, marking their return to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019.
Barcelona will now face the winner of Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
