Excitement and anticipation are building as we approach the climax of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League, European soccer’s premier tournament
This season has been full of soccer action and drama, and now, as we enter the quarterfinals, the scene is getting even more exciting.
The tournament has become increasingly exciting as we move into the knockout phase. On February 12, the round of 16 began, with Europe’s top 16 teams competing fiercely for a place in the final.
When is the Champions League final?
The UEFA Champions League final is considered one of the most important events of the year in European soccer, and this time it will be played on June 1, 2024. Until then, we will have to delight ourselves with the long and exciting season that will determine who will be the two candidates that will dispute the cup.
Where will the Champions League final be played?
Once again, Wembley Stadium, the iconic soccer sanctuary, will host the final of this prestigious competition. It has a capacity of 90 thousand spectators and has witnessed epic moments throughout the history of European soccer.
This stadium, also known as “the Cathedral of Football”, is recognized for being the epicenter of soccer excitement since its inauguration in 1923 and its renovation in 2007. In addition, it has witnessed many finals, including the famous 1966 World Cup Final, where England won.
With the 2023-24 Champions League final scheduled to be played in this historic stadium, fans can expect a night full of excitement and drama as Europe’s best teams battle it out for the continent’s most coveted title.
Knockout rounds
But before reaching the grand finale, there is still a long way to go. The round of 16 has started in February, followed by the quarterfinals in April and the semifinals in May. The exact dates are highlighted below.
Schedule of remaining dates
- Round of 16: 13-14 and 20-21 February 2024 (first leg) / 5-6 and 12-13 March 2024 (second leg)
- Quarter-finals: April 9-10, 2024 (first leg) / April 16-17, 2024 (second leg)
- Semi-finals: April 30 and May 1, 2024 (first leg) / May 7-8, 2024 (second leg)
- Final: June 1, 2024
Which teams remain in the competition?
The teams that have qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League are: Manchester City, Leipzig, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Real Sociedad, Bayern, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, Arsenal, PSV, Napoli, Copenhagen, PSG, and FC Porto.
Who are the favorites?
Among the favorite teams to reach the final are the last champion, Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, who are looking to defend their title with fervor. Real Madrid, a team that has always done well in the competition and also looks a likely winner, especially after adding Jude Bellingham to their ranks. And, of course, Bayern Munich, who has dominated German soccer for the past decade and are now looking to extend their reign to Europe, cannot be overlooked.
The teams with the most victories
As for the teams with the most finals contests, Real Madrid leads the way with 14 wins in 17 appearances, closely followed by AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Finals at Wembley Stadium
The list of great finals at Wembley Stadium is extensive, but some of the most memorable examples are; AC Milan’s final over Benfica in 1963 and Cruyff’s Barcelona’s triumph over Sampdoria in 1992. Both finals have left an indelible mark on the history of European soccer.
Other examples of legendary finals that have transcended the history of the Champions League are Liverpool’s miraculous comeback win over AC Milan in 2005 and Manchester United’s dramatic victory over Bayern Munich in 1999. Two finals worth remembering, full of emotion and unforgettable moments… All that remains is to wait for this year’s final, which is fast approaching, to see what spectacle the Champions League will offer us.