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2024 UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals: B/R Staff Predictions

BR World Football Staff

One thing is for certain: We will have a new winner of the UEFA Champions League this season.

Real Madrid made sure of that after dispatching holders Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals. But can they repeat the feat against German giants Bayern Munich?

In the other half of the bracket, Kylian Mbappe continues to power Paris Saint-Germain on a run to Wembley Stadium in London. Standing in the way is plucky Borussia Dortmund, undoubtedly the heaviest underdog of the four teams remaining.

So, those are the contenders. Which teams are moving on?

The B/R World Football Staff got together for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals predictions.

Have your own picks? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments section of the app.

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

Joshua Kimmich and Luka Modric. Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In Bayern Munich, Real Madrid will face back-to-back opponents that could easily have been a matchup for the final on paper. But, arguably, that's just the way things should be for the 14-time winners.

Bayern will benefit from a little less wear in the legs than Real, with the Spanish side having to go through 120 minutes against an evenly-matched Manchester City in the last eight.

Meanwhile, the German side's domestic season is also officially over, while Real's is mathematically still in play.

Neither were particularly convincing in their quarter-final triumphs. Bayern kept the youthful exuberance of Arsenal at bay to the tune of only two goals conceded across two legs, and that will be a useful dress rehearsal for the meeting with Los Blancos' front line.

Against the odds, Bayern will edge through to the tournament's climax.

Prediction: Bayern battle through to the final

- Leo Collis

Arguably, the more exciting tie of the two semis, Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid will be a matchup that keeps the neutral viewer on the edge of their seat.

With Madrid's spectacular turnaround against Manchester City, they are a club that one should never count out of the tournament.

With a potential 15th Champions League title on the line and Jude Bellingham playing at the top of his game, the La Liga side will have the momentum and belief to propel themselves past an inconsistent Bayern.

Prediction: Real Madrid moves on

- Alex Windley

It's incredibly hard to beat Real Madrid across two legs. If Manchester City can't do it, I don't expect a Bayern Munich side to do it.

Carlo Ancelotti's team is too resilient and too smart to come unstuck against a side that has struggled in pressure moments this season. Bayern failing to win the Bundesliga or DFB-Pokal is a strange sight that will likely define Thomas Tuchel's exit; losing to Madrid will only stretch the wound.

Granted, Harry Kane can win any match, but Madrid have a team of match-winners and an ability to survive when needed. Add in a sprinkle of magic from Bellingham, Vinicius Junior or Rodrygo, and you have a team that should be considered favorites to win the entire thing.

Prediction: Real Madrid heads to Wembley

- Nick Akerman

Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain

ANP via Getty Images

Well, well, well. An inspired second-leg comeback at home has brought Borussia Dortmund to their first Champions League semi-final since the 2012-13 campaign. They reached the final that year, and the parallels between that run and this one are remarkable.

But, this is where it all ends for Die Schwarzgelben.

Paris Saint-Germain will revel in their own version of La Remontada for years, no matter how difficult Barcelona decided to make it for themselves. A meeting with Dortmund in the semis is a welcome prize for that achievement, with the Bundesliga side representing a much less intimidating opponent than Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.

The Parisians must respect the Bundesliga side or risk succumbing just like Atletico did. But the Ligue 1 team will be favored, and they should have enough talent to make it through to the final and earn one last chance for Kylian Mbappé to bring them the title they have long craved.

Prediction: PSG qualify comfortably

- Leo Collis

Although Dortmund seem like a formidable opponent, PSG's run to the final feels inevitable. After a tough two-game tie vs. Barcelona, they look like a team on a mission. Furthermore, with Mbappé reportedly on his way to Real Madrid this summer, the France international appears determined to finally bring a Champions League title back to the Parc des Princes.

Prediction: PSG continue the Last Dance with Mbappé

- Alex Windley

This pick is made purely on narrative. We need to see Mbappé in the final against Madrid, his potential next employer. So, I'm going to manifest it happening, even though I think this tie will be finely balanced until the latter moments.

PSG beat Dortmund 2-0 at home during the group stage, with Dortmund working hard to get a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.

For all of their faults, PSG showed a great togetherness in the quarter-final turnaround against Barcelona. They were helped by Ronald Araújo's red card, of course, but the French side have wilted in favorable positions before. They are favorites for this tie, and for the love of the story, I'll back them to get through. I just wouldn't put any money on it…

Prediction: PSG just makes it through the tie

- Nick Akerman

   

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