When are the 2022 Champions League semi-finals?
As the quarter-finals ended on Wednesday evening in Liverpool and Madrid, the penultimate games of UEFA’s showpiece competition were confirmed.
The 2022 Champions League semi-finals are now lined up. An incredible couple of nights have seen the quarter-finals concluded and four clubs have progressed, all knowing that they are just a two-legged tie away for a glamour final in Paris. Let’s have a look at who made it and when they will be playing, something that was decided at the same time as the quarter-final draw.
What are the 2022 Champions League semi-finals?
On Tuesday we saw the 13-time champions of Europe Real Madrid overcome reigning champions Chelsea in a belting encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu. Already ahead 3-1 from the London leg, going three goals down with 15 minutes to play had everything upside down for Los Blancos. Then arrived Rodrygo - with a big nod to the outside of Modric’s boot - and Karim Benzema, and we will remember the 5-4 aggregate score for some time.
Madrid will not be meeting their Atlético neighbours in the semi-final. Instead, the Madridistas can hurl abuse at former enemy of the club, Pep Guardiola, who’ll be pitching up with his tournament favourites, Manchester City after their 1-0 aggregate win.
In the other semi-final it will also be an England vs Spain clash. Villarreal are the biggest surprise of the final four, overcoming the Bundesliga might of Bayern Munich. The team affectionately known as The Yellow Submarine will be facing six-time winners Liverpool, the city famous for The Beatles who once sang that underwater melody. It’s the third time in the last five seasons that Klopp has taken his team to this stage, after seeing off Benfica’s challenge this time around.
When are the Champions League semi-finals?
So there we have it: Manchester City vs Real Madrid and Liverpool vs Villarreal.
The first legs are to be played on 26/27 April, with the second legs scheduled for 3/4 May. Manchester City and Liverpool will both be at home in the first leg.
Who is the designated ‘home team’ for the 2022 UCL final?
Back when the quarter-final draw took place, as well as the semi-final pairings being determined, the ‘home’ and ‘away’ team for the Champions League final was also confirmed. The venue did have to change in the meantime.
The ‘home’ side, therefore, will be the winner of the second semi-final, meaning that the biggest club game in the world, which will be held at Paris’ Stade de France on 28 May will be: Liverpool/Villarreal vs Manchester City/Real Madrid