The UEFA Champions League has reached its quarterfinal stage, featuring matchups that blend traditional powerhouses with emerging contenders. The fixtures are as follows:

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

The first-leg matches are scheduled for April 8 and 9, with the return legs on April 15 and 16, 2025.

This season introduced a significant overhaul to the tournament's structure, transitioning from the traditional group stage to a single 36-team league phase. Each team played eight matches against varied opponents, with the top 24 advancing to the knockout stages. The top eight teams earned direct entry into the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th contested in playoff rounds. This new format aims to increase competitiveness and provide more opportunities for clubs across Europe.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin defended the restructured format, stating it has generated greater audience interest and dismissed claims of a football crisis. He highlighted the increased viewership and attendance figures as indicators of the format's success.

Financially, the new format has resulted in a 21% increase in total prize money, reaching €2.47 billion. Teams now receive €18.6 million for participation, with additional earnings based on performance. This financial boost aims to reward clubs for their success and sustain the competition's growth.

Arsenal's Declan Rice praised the new format after their victory over Dinamo Zagreb, highlighting the enjoyment of facing different opponents and the excitement of big matches. He noted that the variety of matchups has been refreshing and beneficial for both players and fans.

The 2024/25 season marks the first time since 1963/64 that Champions League matches were played in January, reflecting the adjusted schedule due to the new format. This change was implemented to accommodate the expanded league phase and ensure a balanced calendar for participating teams.

As the quarterfinals approach, the new format's impact on team strategies and fan engagement continues to be a focal point. The upcoming matches promise to showcase the heightened competitiveness and unpredictability introduced by the restructured competition.