The quarterfinal matches for the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League have been announced, with reigning champion Real Madrid facing Carlo Ancelotti’s previous team Chelsea and mouthwatering matchups between Manchester City and Bayern.
The quarterfinal and semifinal draws for the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League have been made, creating much curiosity.
Manchester City of Josep Guardiola will play Bayern of the former Spanish manager, while Real Madrid, the tournament’s defending champion, will play Chelsea, one of five former teams of Carlo Ancelotti. In the semi-finals, the winners of those ties face off.
Seven-time European winners AC Milan will face off against the lopsided Serie A leaders Napoli in the opposite half of the draw, which also has a strong Italian flavor. If the Nerazzurri defeat Benfica in the round of eight, whoever wins that matchup might then play Inter.
How was the draw conducted?
There were no country protections or seeds for the quarterfinal draw, which resulted in ties being assigned numbers 1-4 for the semifinal draw that came after.
Inter’s quarterfinal matchup with Benfica was reversed due to AC Milan and Inter sharing the same venue for home games and being unable to play on the same night or at home within 24 hours. The Italian champions, AC Milan, had the upper hand.
Champions League draw
Quarter-finals
First legs: 11/12 April
Real Madrid vs Chelsea
Benfica vs Inter
Man City vs Bayern
Milan vs NapoliSecond legs: 18/19 April
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
Inter vs Benfica
Bayern vs Man City
Napoli vs MilanSemi-finals: 9/10 & 16/17 May
1. Milan / Napoli vs Benfica / Inter
2. Real Madrid / Chelsea vs Man City / BayernAll kick-off times 21:00 CET
Meet the Champions League last eight
Meet the Champions League last eight
How did the draw work?
There was a free draw for the quarter-finals, meaning no seedings or country protection, with ties numbered 1–4 for the semi-final draw that followed.
Because AC Milan and Inter share the same stadium for home matches and cannot play on the same night, nor at home within 24 hours, Inter’s quarter-final tie with Benfica was reversed. AC Milan, as Italian champions, had priority.
Was there also a draw for the final?
Yes, for administrative purposes. The winners of semi-final 2 (Real Madrid / Chelsea vs Man City / Bayern) will be the ‘home’ side for the Champions League final.
Where is the Champions League final?
The 2022/23 Champions League final will take place on Saturday 10 June 2023 at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, venue for Liverpool’s famous comeback victory over AC Milan in the 2005 showpiece.