PSG hosts Bayern in Paris

Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich on Tuesday, April 28, in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final between the holders and six-time European champions. (uefa.com 1) (uefa.com 2) Kickoff is set for 21:00 Central European Time at Parc des Princes in Paris, and the return leg is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, in Munich. (uefa.com 1) (uefa.com 2) UEFA says both teams arrive with 38 goals in this season’s competition, the highest total of any clubs left in the field. Paris reached the semi-finals by eliminating Liverpool, while Bayern advanced past Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate. (uefa.com 1) (uefa.com 2) The matchup also comes with recent history. Bayern beat Paris 2-1 in the league phase this season, and UEFA says that made it five straight Bayern wins against the French club in Champions League play. (uefa.com) One individual marker sits inside the tie: Paris captain Marquinhos is set to equal Roberto Carlos’ Brazilian record of 120 Champions League appearances. Bayern striker Harry Kane enters with goals in his last five Champions League matches and 12 in the competition this season. (uefa.com) UEFA’s projected Paris lineup includes Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué in attack, with Luis Enrique saying all players are available apart from Quentin Ndjantou. Bayern’s projected side includes Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz and Kane. (uefa.com) The other semi-final starts Wednesday, April 29, when Atlético Madrid host Arsenal at the Estadio Metropolitano. UEFA describes that tie as a meeting between Atlético’s 34-goal attack and an Arsenal defense that has conceded five times in 12 Champions League matches. (uefa.com) That second semi-final carries its own edge because Arsenal beat Atlético 4-0 in the league phase in October. Atlético, though, have won 11 of 15 previous UEFA two-legged ties against English teams, including all three semi-finals, according to UEFA. (uefa.com) (uefa.com) Sports Illustrated reported Monday that Arsenal had at least five injury doubts before the trip to Madrid, while Atlético midfielder Pablo Barrios had been ruled out of the first leg. UEFA’s projected Atlético lineup still lists Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez up front. (si.com) (uefa.com) By the end of Wednesday night, the bracket will have its first read on whether Paris can defend its crown, whether Bayern can add a seventh European title, and whether Arsenal or Atlético can move closer to a first one. (uefa.com) (uefa.com)