Steven Gerrard has shared his prediction for who will lift this season’s Champions League trophy following the Round of 16.
Next month promises four thrilling quarter-final clashes after eight clubs advanced this week. Real Madrid face Bayern Munich, Premier League leaders Arsenal take on Sporting, Liverpool clash with reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, and the final tie is an all-Spanish showdown between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Gerrard was at Anfield to witness Liverpool secure their spot in the quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 win over Turkish giants Galatasaray. Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mohamed Salah all found the net, though the match was overshadowed by a gruesome thumb injury to Noa Lang near the end.
While Gerrard would love to see Liverpool claim a seventh Champions League title, he doubts Arne Slot’s side can overcome PSG across two legs. Speaking to TNT Sports via The Metro, the former England midfielder said: “Chelsea were beaten by the team I think will win the tournament. PSG are like Real Madrid over the years—they know how to step it up in the big Champions League games. They prioritize Europe over domestic competitions and always know how to turn it on. I think PSG will lift it again
However, Gerrard sees Bayern Munich, led by the in-form Harry Kane, as possible dark horses. Looking ahead to Bayern’s tie with 15-time European champions Real Madrid, he added: “At this stage, the big players and teams show their true strength. Real Madrid seem to find a different level in the Champions League, like they did against Manchester City, and I think the best version of them will advance. But Bayern could surprise this year—they’re fit, well-organized under Vincent Kompany, and Harry Kane is in form. They’re stronger than in recent seasons.”
Despite Gerrard backing PSG, Opta’s Supercomputer currently lists Arsenal as favourites with a 29% chance to win. The Gunners have never claimed the European crown—their closest attempt was the 2006 final loss to Barcelona—but their squad is capable of ending that wait this season.
