The 2022-23 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal and semi-final draws have just concluded on Friday, March 17 in Nyon, Switzerland. Being an open draw, any team could have faced off against anyone, even clubs from the same country as it happened with Napoli and AC Milan. The 2023 UCL quarterfinal and semi-final draws threw up really mouthwatering matchups among familiar foes with Real Madrid going up against Chelsea, Manchester City facing off against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan vs SL Benfica. Here’s how the draws stack up:

2023 Champions League quarterfinals

Real Madrid vs. Chelsea

A rivalry that is still fresh in the minds of fans from last year’s UCL quarterfinals, Chelsea would look to avenge its defeat last year to the most successful club in Europe, Real Madrid. Chelsea’s away performance last year would have made fans hopeful but Graham Potter’s starting XI barely looks anything like last year’s lineup. And with Real Madrid on hot form after thumping Real Madrid out of the tournament, it seems like a massive uphill task for Chelsea.

SL Benfica vs. Inter Milan

Inter Milan and SL Benfica have faced off on three occasions before this with two outings ending in a draw and one in favour of Inter Milan. And while Inter Milan have been scraping through the tournament, Benfica have been on a hot streak with no losses in the last 10 games across all competitions. In fact, if the last rounds are anything to go by, Benfica can be considered the favourites here, albeit marginally so.

Manchester City vs. Bayern Munich

This one is what you call a battle of the heavyweights. Bayern Munich are flying high after eliminating one of the biggest teams in Europe, PSG, and City have recently made a 7-0-loud statement. Both teams aren’t giving up on their respective league titles either, with Manchester City hot on the heels of league leaders Arsenal, only five points behind. Bayern Munich also faces stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund, but has a 3-point breathing room.

AC Milan vs. Napoli

AC Milan are familiar foes, who play in Italy’s Serie A. Not only does Napoli sit comfortably atop the Serie A table, with a mammoth 18-point lead, they have looked very convincing in Europe. It will be interesting to see if Napoli can continue their unbeaten streak in the UCL or if AC Milan plays spoilsport.

2023 Champions League semifinals

AC Milan or Napoli vs. Inter Milan or SL Benfica
Real Madrid or Chelsea vs. Manchester City or Bayern Munich

Champions League schedule

Here’s when you can watch UEFA Champion’s League 2023 quarterfinals and semi-finals. The games will stream live on Sony LIV in India.

Quarterfinals

First leg: April 11-12
Second leg: April 18-19

Semifinals

First leg: May 9-10
Second leg: May 16-17

Final

Saturday, June 10

Feature Image Credit: UEFA Champions League