Champions League picks, predictions, schedule: PSG complete comeback over Borussia Dortmund, per experts

The Champions League semi-finals end this week and we will soon find out who the finalists are for the clash on June 1st in London. PSG host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday looking to overcome their 1-0 defeat in Germany, but Luis Enrique’s side are unlikely to be rattled. In the quarter-finals, they lost at home to Barcelona and managed to dominate in Spain to advance to the semi-finals. In the other semi-final, it is tied 2-2 between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with more fireworks expected at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday.

Don’t miss all Champions League Storiesand, as always, you can catch all of our coverage on CBS, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network throughout the season.

Here’s what you need to know before the big games, including expert picks from the CBS Sports team.

Here’s how to watch every game, what to know, our expert picks and more:

TV semi-final schedule

All times US/East

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Champions League semi-final picks

Don’t miss Morning Footy from CBS Sports Golazo Network, now in podcast format! Our team brings you all the news, views, highlights and laughs you need to follow the Beautiful Game from every corner of the globe, Monday to Friday, year-round.

PSG x Dortmund

By Jonathan Johnson

A clash to watch: Kylian Mbappe x Julian Ryerson – Assuming Luis Enrique keeps the French star wide, which was much more impactful than when he was deployed in the middle, Dortmund could struggle at the back. Ryserson was excellent in the first leg, but the Germans were unable to increase their one-goal lead despite the pressure they managed to put on PSG. The Parisians have nothing to lose here and everything to gain by going out to surprise the visitors, so expect Mbappe to show his teeth.

Most likely to score a goal: Gonçalo Ramos – It looks like the Portuguese striker will continue his scoring form whenever Luis Enrique gets the chance. It remains to be seen when that will happen on Tuesday, but Ramos is expected to get a chance at the Parc des Princes and possibly seize the only opportunity that comes his way, such is his prolific 2024 so far. If Mbappe remains wide, it could create the perfect opportunity for Ramos in the middle as the focal point of the attack.

Choice of the Best of the Match: Marquinhos – There were moments in the opening match when the Brazil international turned back the clock with brilliant defending and PSG will need their captain to be at his best again here. With the news that Lucas Hernandez is injured following surgery and likely to be out for a long time, Marquinhos will need to be safer than ever.

Match prediction: PSG 2 x 0 Dortmund – The first goal in this game will be crucial and the hosts have no reason not to try from the start, with Dortmund likely wary of a quick start from PSG and therefore more conservative than last week. If the Parisians can get one, then the two games against Barcelona showed they can get two or more and they were unlucky not to score in Germany. This finished 2-0 to Paris in 2020 and could repeat the result here to secure the final spot.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

By Francesco Porzio

A confrontation to watch: Rodrygo x Kim Min-Jae – This will likely be the key clash of the game, as most of the pressure on the visitors will be in defending possession. In the first game, Bayern Munich had many chances to score the first goal, but Real Madrid managed to make the most of the first shot thanks to the German team’s defensive problems.

Most likely to score a goal: Jude Bellingham – He has already scored 22 goals in 38 games this season, including four in nine Champions League matches. Despite this, Bellingham’s work is not over and he is now set to make another impact in the second leg of his first UCL semi-final against Bayern Munich. He is yet to score his first qualifying goal, and what better opportunity to do so?

Choice of Man of the Match: Vinicius Jr. Speaking of players who tend to make an impact, Vinicius Jr. is the main candidate for MVP of the game, after scoring two goals in the first game of the semifinal and especially after scoring 21 in 35 matches so far. He is the face of this team and the player that everyone expects to make a difference at these stages.

Match prediction: Real Madrid 2, Bayern Munich 1 – Despite the incredible performance of Thomas Tuchel’s team in the first game in Munich, playing against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg is always the last thing you want to do in this sport. That’s why I hope Carlo Ancelotti and his team do it again.