UEFA Champions League: a final four without Real Madrid or Barça, just like in 2019-2020

Europe 16 April 2026 at 06:07

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

14.04.26 FT Champions League

Atletico Madrid

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Barcelona

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We now know the four teams that have qualified for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League: Atlético Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

For only the second time in the last 19 seasons, neither Real Madrid nor Barça have made it to the semi-finals, just as in 2019-2020. Back then, the final four featured Bayern Munich, Lyon, Paris, and Leipzig.

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The Catalans were knocked out by Atlético Madrid. After a 0-2 defeat at Camp Nou in the first leg, Hansi Flick’s men managed a 2-1 win at the Metropolitano in the return, but it wasn’t enough to secure qualification.

Meanwhile, Los Merengues fell victim to Bayern Munich, losing both at home (1-2) and away (3-4).

In the semi-finals, Paris Saint-Germain will face Bayern Munich, while Arsenal will take on Atlético Madrid. The first legs are scheduled for April 28-29, with the second legs set for May 5-6.

UEFA Champions League 2026 semi-final bracket:

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) – Bayern Munich (GER)

Atlético Madrid (ESP) – Arsenal (ENG)

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