Horror night for English football in Europe

Going far in the Champions League was extra important for English teams this season. With the final being played at Wembley, it's always special. Getting the most points in Europe, also meant an extra spot for Premier League clubs in the next season. Unfortunately this night was an absolute horror show for English football.

Bayern Munich eliminates Arsenal

In a tightly contested match at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich secured their spot in the semifinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal, courtesy of a header from Joshua Kimmich. The match was a culmination of evenly matched play, with both teams having drawn 2-2 in the first leg in London. Kimmich's decisive goal not only led Bayern to victory but also marked their only chance for silverware this season, as they have been previously eliminated from other competitions. Matthijs de Ligt was notable for playing the entire game, contributing significantly to Bayern's defensive solidity. The win keeps Bayern's hopes alive for their first Champions League final appearance since their 2020 triumph, where they claimed the title by defeating Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal, having reached the quarterfinals for the first time in fourteen years, now exits the tournament with their focus shifting entirely to domestic league pursuits.

Real Madrid beats Man City in penalty shootout

Real Madrid secured their semifinal berth in a less straightforward fashion, overcoming title defenders Manchester City in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. The tie, which was finely balanced from the start with a 3-3 draw in Madrid, was settled when Antonio Rüdiger scored the winning penalty. The match saw early action with Rodrygo putting Real ahead, capitalizing on a rebound from his own effort. Manchester City equalized late in the second half with a strike from Kevin De Bruyne, setting up a nail-biting finish that eventually led to penalties. Despite a miss from Luka Modric, Real prevailed in the shootout, with misses from City's Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic sealing their fate.

Semifinals

Bayern Munich is now set to face Real Madrid in a clash of titans, while the other semifinal will see Paris Saint-Germain taking on Borussia Dortmund. These matches are scheduled for the end of April and early May, with the exact dates being April 30 and May 1 for the first legs, and May 7 and 8 for the returns.

The semifinals promise intense competition as the remaining teams vie for a place in the final, each aiming to etch their names into the storied legacy of the Champions League.