
As the semi-finals of Europe’s top football tournaments unfold, English clubs find themselves well-positioned to potentially claim all three major trophies: the Champions League, the Europa League, and the Europa Conference League. Here’s a detailed analysis of their chances, based on the first-leg results and potential final opponents.
Arsenal suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. A quick goal from Ousmane Dembélé gave the Parisians the edge, leaving the Gunners with a tough task ahead for the return leg at the Parc des Princes.
Qualification Chances: Moderate. Arsenal will need an exceptional away performance to overturn the deficit.
Potential Final Opponents: The winner between Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 away win against Athletic Bilbao, thanks to stellar performances from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 3-1 win over Bodø/Glimt, though a late goal conceded leaves a bit of uncertainty.
Qualification Chances: High for both clubs, with comfortable leads ahead of the second legs.
Potential Final: A first all-English Europa League final since 2019 between Manchester United and Tottenham.
Chelsea took a firm grip on their semi-final with a 4-1 away win against Djurgården. Goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a brace from Nicolas Jackson put the Blues in a commanding position.
Qualification Chances: Very high. With a three-goal lead and the second leg at home, Chelsea are strong favourites to reach the final.
Potential Final Opponents: The winner between Real Betis and Fiorentina, with Betis holding a slight edge after the first leg.
English clubs are well on track to reach the finals of all three European competitions this season. If Arsenal manage to turn things around against PSG, and Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea confirm their first-leg performances, England could achieve a historic European treble.
The return legs of the semi-finals will take place next week, with massive stakes for English football.