UEFA Champions League Matchday 4: Bold Predictions That Could Change Everything

Tuesday night promises to be a thrilling evening of potential upsets, as the opening round of Champions League quarterfinal second legs come to a close.

Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid appear well-positioned to advance, with their semifinal berths looking increasingly likely. Yet PSG squandered numerous chances against a Liverpool side that went into pure "survival mode", while Atléti struggled to control possession after Barcelona were reduced to 10 men.

Both teams holding 2–0 advantages is a comfortable position, but we're not quite in 'guaranteed' territory just yet. No lead is ever truly safe in this competition, where momentum can shift the tide as much as anything else.

Here's how Sports Illustrated predicts Tuesday's quarterfinal second legs to unfold.

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Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona

The two La Liga rivals meet for the fifth time in 2026, with Atlético Madrid firmly in control of this tie following their first victory at Camp Nou in two decades.

Julian Álvarez's breathtaking free-kick immediately after Pau Cubarsí's red card paved the way for a historic win, and though Diego Simeone's men struggled with the numerical advantage in the second half, Alexander Sørloth proved reliable in continuing his impressive record against the Blaugrana.

Despite last week's disappointment, optimism is growing in Catalonia ahead of Tuesday's trip to the capital. Barça dismantled local rivals Espanyol 4–1 in Saturday's derby, and Frenkie de Jong has recovered from injury since the first leg defeat.

Atléti dominated the La Liga leaders at the Metropolitano in this season's Copa del Rey semifinals, but Barça recently claimed a league victory at Atléti's ground. Still, a 2–1 win won't be enough if they want to reach the last four in consecutive seasons.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1–2 (AET) Barcelona

Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Anfield has witnessed some extraordinary moments over the decades, yet Liverpool have struggled to conjure a truly iconic Champions League night at home since their legendary comeback against Barcelona back in 2019.

The Reds have managed solid group stage wins over Real Madrid, but memorable knockout victories in the 2020s have been scarce. Their 4–0 demolition of an underwhelming Galatasaray side in the round of 16 was necessary, but hardly the stuff of legend.

Arne Slot's squad have little reason to believe they still have a realistic shot, given PSG's dominant display last week. The holders claimed victory at Anfield last season en route to their eventual European triumph, and that gap between the sides is unlikely to close simply because a below-par Liverpool are playing on home turf.

Slot does possess a wildcard in 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, but PSG are stacked with world-class talent all hitting top form at precisely the right moment.

Prediction: Liverpool 1–3 PSG

Matchday 4/14 Predictions