Champions League semi-final power rankings as Arsenal left as last English hope

And then there were four. The 2026 Champions League quarter-finals are history and less than a handful on teams remain on the road to Budapest.

Paris Saint-Germain, the holders, were first to book their ticket by thrashing Liverpool, coming away from Anfield with a deserved 4-0 victory on aggregate. Also on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid reached the semi-finals after a barnstorming clash with Barcelona, edging the tie 3-2 despite losing the second leg in their own back yard.

Then came two contrasting games on Wednesday. Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal narrowly got the job done with a goalless draw at home to Sporting Lisbon and will face Atletico in the semis.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, meanwhile, played out a classic. Two late goals from Bayern saw them book a mouth-watering tie with PSG, the winner of which will almost certainly go into this year's final at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, May 30 as favourites.

But who'll lift the trophy when all is said and done? Here, Mirror Football ranks the four semi-finalists in the latest edition of our power rankings.

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OPINION

4. Atletico Madrid

After benefitting from two red cards and some controversial refereeing decisions, is fate on Atletico's side? Diego Simeone's men have been efficient in first legs and suspect in seconds to reach the semi-final stage for the fourth time in 12 years.

The good news is that unlike in 2014 and 2016, they can't possibly lose to Real in the final. The bad news is that in Arsenal, they'll face a team who are levels above both of their previous opponents - Barcelona and Tottenham - defensively.

It'd be a dream send-off for Antoine Griezmann if he finally got his hands on 'Big Ears', as the 35-year-old prepares to join Orlando City this summer. However, Atletico's victory over Barcelona last week remains their only win in six games, with their domestic form a concern to take into account.

Could this be the year? It's no insult to say that they go into the semi-finals as outsiders.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid are keeping the dream alive(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

3. Arsenal

That was close, wasn't it? Arsenal no longer look like the team who breezed through to the knockouts by finishing top of the table, beating both Bayern and Atletico along the way.

Whether it be down to fatigue or fear, Mikel Arteta's team have stagnated since they lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City, who they notably play in the Premier League this Sunday in a potential title decider. Although Arsenal thrashed Atleti 4-0 in October, it can't be forgotten that they also beat PSG in the league phase last season before losing to them in the semi-finals.

Will history repeat itself? It'll likely a war of attrition against a fellow defensive-minded outfit, but Arsenal are slight favourites, especially boasting home advantage in the second leg.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 7: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 0-1 with Gabriel & team-mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 7, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Arsenal are going through a sticky patch (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

2. Bayern Munich

After finishing second behind Arsenal in the table, many predicted a final between the pair - and it could still easily happen. Vincent Kompany has taken Bayern up a notch this term and their attack, led by Harry Kane at the peak of his powers, is frightening.

The Bundesliga champions annihilated Atalanta in the round-of-16, but we saw chinks in their armour for the first time against Real. Manuel Neuer may've been outstanding at the Bernabeu, but his error on Wednesday was a reminder that he's no longer constantly reliable.

Of course, they're still a brilliant team with match-winners galore, and home advantage could prove vital for getting past PSG. But like the other semi-final, it's on a knife-edge.

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press Sports via Getty Images)

Harry Kane has scored 50 goals for Bayern Munich this season(Image: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press Sports via Getty Images)

1. PSG

They've been there, done it and got the t-shirt. PSG waited 55 years to be crowned champions of Europe and they don't look like giving up their title easily.

Growing into the tournament, just as they did last season, the French giants have looked stronger at every stage. Chelsea and Liverpool were both brushed aside, but Bayern - who beat them in November in Paris - should be a sterner test.

However, Luis Enrique and his players have the muscle memory, are nigh on unstoppable at their best, and know how to win an away second leg. We know Ligue 1 likes to help PSG, so expect their clash with Lorient between the two legs to be postponed.

It's tough to call but the holders are our favourites at this stage. One thing's for sure: there'll be plenty of drama along the way.