Manchester City expected to sail through as we look at the predicted semi-final teams for UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2023.
Champions League knockout time is near, and the excitement of football fans is over the roof. All the top leagues in the world want their teams to win the title, and teams also compete for the same whole-heartedly. The first leg of UCL saw an exciting round of football as Man. City and Inter Milan came out as winners.
The competition has so far given many great contests over the years, and this year, we expect nothing less. There have been many memorable and inspiring games, comebacks, goals and saves over the years and due to this thrill people around the world are waiting for the UCL knockouts.
As per the given dates, the quarterfinal first legs will take place on April 11-12, with the return legs held on April 18-19. Whereas the semifinals will be staged on May 9-10 and on May 16-17. So, as we wait for the matches to begin, let’s look at the best predicted semi-final teams for UCL 2023.
#1: Real Madrid vs Chelsea
1st Leg – 13th April, 12:30 AM IST
2nd Leg – 19th April, 12:30 AM IST
Predicted Winner: Real Madrid
This is the rematch of last year’s quarterfinal between 14 times title winner and defending champion, Real Madrid and 2 times winner Chelsea. Last year’s clash between these two was an absolute treat for the fans.
The first leg was dominated by Real Madrid 3-1, where Benzama led the way with his hat-trick. Whereas In the second leg, Chelsea came out strong with a score-line of 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in extra time before Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema rescued Real Madrid.
Let’s talk about the current form for both teams. Real Madrid are second on the La Liga table, but 12 points behind the table topper Barca. But with a thumping 4-0 victory over Barca this week, Madrid have shown how prepared they are for the challenges ahead. All the major players are in form and fully fit to compete in the Champions League challenge.
Whereas Chelsea are struggling big time in the EPL and are 11th on the table. They are almost out of the next year’s UCL qualification according to the standings currently. But they would like to regroup and give fans something to cheer about.
With the Chelsea legend and the interim manager Frank Lampard taking over the responsibility, fans would like the fortunes to turn. Though we think Chelsea won’t be outplayed by the champion Madrid, the current form of Chelsea are not good enough to defeat the reigning champions.
#2: Benfica vs Inter Milan
1st Leg – 12th April, 12:30 AM IST – Inter Won 2-0
2nd Leg – 20th April, 12:30 AM IST
Predicted Winner: Benfica
The first leg was the perfect counter-attacking game we’ve seen so far by Inter. Winning the away fixture by 2 goals even after having their back against the wall for the majority of the first half, has given Inter a good chance to go through the semis. Benfica’s record against Inter in the competition is quite poor, with 0 wins in 4 matches.
Benfica have to go all guns blazing in the second leg and they know they can do it with the form they are in. They have been too good this season having lost only 2 games this season. Roger Schmidt has been playing wonderful football consistently. They have been compact yet free-flowing in their game. Even after the transfer of their star Enzo Fernandize to Chelsea, Benfica had no impact on their performance.
On the other hand, Inter Milan have been struggling with their form and have just barely managed to qualify for the quarters with an overall 1-0 win over Porto. Simone Inzaghi has found a gem in Samir Hendanovic who made brilliant saves in the match against Porto to keep them in the hunt. He’ll have a lot more to do in the upcoming game against Benfica for sure.
#3: Manchester City vs Bayern Munich
1st Leg – 12th April, 12:30 AM IST – 1st Lef City won 3-0
2nd Leg – 20th April, 12:30 AM IST
Predicted Winner: Manchester City
Manchester City are now undefeated in 25 UCL games at home, but a scoreline of 3-0 against one of the best sides in the competition, wasn’t expected. With a thumping win of 3 goals, City have made it practically impossible for Bayern to bounce back. Only the heroics of Sommer made sure the scoreline doesn’t become embarrassing.
Man City were outstanding on the ball, and with constant pressure, managed to net 3.
Bayern have to find a magic wand to turn the tables in the second leg. We know, we have seen similar turnarounds in the UCL knockout outs and Bayern playing at home are deadly.
Upcoming Second Leg:
With all the possibilities still alive, we are sure to witness top-quality football from both sides. Bayern have won all the games in the UCL, but are struggling in Bundesliga this season. Whereas Man City have have won 5 and drew 3 and are also 2nd on the EPL table. But the quality of football has been top-notch. Bayern have beaten PSG coming to the quarter-finals, and have shown a perfect mix of youth and experience.
After Lewandowski’s exit, the club regrouped and found a new star in Musiala. Jamal Musiala will surely be a concern for Pep, and he would like to set a strategy to cut him off. Manchester City are roaring with Haaland in front. This guy has created havoc after joining City – be it in EPL or UCl, City have scored a lot of goals.
However, City have been vulnerable at the back, and looking at their UCL record, they have to be extra careful with Bayern’s smooth play. It is one of the toughest calls to make, but looking at the current performances of Man City and the absence of Manual Neuer gives City a slight edge over the German giants.
Pep Guardiola has been very erratic with his decision-making at UCL. Hope he keeps it simple this time. One thing to keep in mind for City is that the second leg is at Bayern’s home ground, and they are superb there. Pep’s men can’t keep it loose even for a moment. But nonetheless, it’ll be a goal fest.
#4: AC Milan Vs Napoli
1st Leg – 13th April, 12:30 AM IST
2nd Leg – 19th April, 12:30 AM IST
Predicted Winner: Napoli
AC Milan are one of the legendary clubs of UCL. They are number two in the most number of UCL titles won, behind Real Madrid. But looking at the current form in Serie A, they stand nowhere in front of Napoli. Napoli are 20 points clear of Milan on the table in Serie A, and in line to lift the cup.
It looks like a mismatch on paper, but UCL has a history of setbacks when it comes to matches between two clubs of the same league. Napoli would want to enter their first-ever UCL semifinal. Among all the clubs in the quarter-finals, Napoli have the best chance to go forward. The forward line of Napoli is brutal and they are the top scorer with 25 goals in this year’s UCL. They have a staggering 44-goal difference in Serie A.
AC Milan have to be really strategic in their approach if they want to overcome this hurdle. Specific plans to counter players like Victor Osimhen, Kim Min-Jae and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have to in place and executed perfectly. Hence, It’s a no-brainer here as looking at the current form of Napoli, they are the favourites. It’ll require something very special from AC Milan to turn the tables around.
Thanks for reading! What’s your take on the predicted Semi final teams for UCL 2023? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com
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Himanshu is an author at Footbalytics. He is a sports freak and Football is his first love. He is a National level football player himself. With the world full of Messi’s, Ronaldo’s and Gerrard’s fans, he is a die hard fan of Iker Casillas.
Though he is a Sales Manager by profession, he would never miss playing football with his mates.