UCL Semi-Finals
2025-26
The final four of European football's greatest competition. Real Madrid vs Manchester City. Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain. Two two-legged ties that will decide who travels to Istanbul for the final on May 30, 2026.
Tie 1: Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Real Madrid knocked City out in 2022 (semi) and 2023 (quarters) — City have revenge in mind.
Real Madrid — two legends of the era. Bernabeu fortress advantage.
Tie 2: Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain
First ever UCL semi-final meeting between the clubs. Fresh history to be made.
Arsenal — Arteta's side in form of their lives. Saka + Martinelli difference-makers.
UCL Semi-Final Historical Records
| Club | SF Apps | SF Wins | Finals | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 31 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Barcelona | 18 | 11 | 12 | 5 |
| Bayern Munich | 22 | 13 | 11 | 6 |
| Manchester City | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| PSG | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Semi-Final Analysis
The 2025-26 UCL semi-finals represent a collision of three eras. Real Madrid's galacticos (Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius) against Manchester City's rebuilt machine. Arteta's Arsenal project — now in its fifth season together — against a PSG side finally learning to play as a team after years of all-star disappointments.
Real Madrid vs Man City is the defining European fixture of this generation. They have met in three consecutive UCL semi-finals and two finals since 2022. Bernabeu magic, late goals, penalty drama — there is history between these clubs that goes beyond tactics. Expect another psychologically complex tie decided by moments of individual brilliance.
The Arsenal vs PSG tie is the fresher narrative. Arsenal have never been in a UCL final since 2006 and Arteta's side — built on intensity, collective pressing and Saka's individual quality — will be slight underdogs in Paris for the return leg. However, the Emirates in a European knockout atmosphere is one of the most intimidating venues in Europe. If Arsenal lead after Leg 1, PSG will need to come from behind.
Semi-Final Clubs — UCL Stats This Season
| Club | P | W | GF | GA | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 9 | 7 | 24 | 11 | Mbappe (11) |
| Manchester City | 9 | 6 | 21 | 12 | Haaland (9) |
| Arsenal | 9 | 6 | 19 | 9 | Saka (8) |
| PSG | 9 | 5 | 17 | 14 | Dembele (7) |