The draw for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals took place on Wednesday, setting the stage for some highly anticipated matches. Defending champions Real Madrid are set to face Arsenal, while Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will go up against Aston Villa.

Real Madrid’s Path to the Quarterfinals

Real Madrid advanced after a tense penalty shootout victory against city rivals Atlético Madrid, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 in the previous round. Prior to that, Madrid had eliminated Manchester City, showcasing their formidable status in this year’s tournament.

The first leg of the quarterfinal against Arsenal will take place in London on April 8 or 9, with the return leg scheduled for April 15 or 16.

PSG’s Challenge Ahead

Having dispatched top-seeded Liverpool in the previous round, PSG will host Aston Villa in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup. The outcome will determine who advances to meet either Arsenal or Madrid in the semifinals—a possible reunion for star player Kylian Mbappé, who has connections to both clubs.

Other Quarterfinal Matches

In an exciting clash, Borussia Dortmund will meet Barcelona, rekindling the rivalry with former Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski now at Barcelona. This matchup highlights the rich history between these two clubs.

Another intriguing rematch is set as Bayern Munich faces Inter Milan, renewing their rivalry from the 2010 final won by the Italian side. The first leg will take place at Bayern’s home stadium, which is also scheduled to host the Champions League final on May 31.

Financial Stakes and Wealth Distribution

This season, UEFA will distribute nearly €2.5 billion (around $2.7 billion) among the 36 Champions League participating teams, reflecting a 20% increase in payouts from previous seasons. This surge in financial rewards is likely to accentuate the disparity among elite European clubs. Properties from the top five leagues—England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France—will take home a significant portion, continuing a trend where no team outside these leagues has reached the final since Porto’s success in 2004.

Each quarterfinalist is guaranteed €12.5 million ($13.6 million), with an additional €15 million ($16.3 million) available for those who progress to the semifinals.

Quarterfinal Matches Overview

• Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
• Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
• Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan

The first legs of the matches are set for April 8 or 9, with the return fixtures taking place the following week.