UEFA Champions League expert predictions, picks: Arsenal visit Atleti; PSG vs. Bayern to produce fireworks

UEFA Champions League expert predictions, picks: Arsenal visit Atleti; PSG vs. Bayern to produce fireworks The winners of Bayern and PSG are expected to be the favorites in the UCL final, while the Gunners hope to find their stride By Pardeep Cattry , Chuck Booth & Francesco Porzio Apr 28, 2026 at 9:14 am ET • 5 min read Getty Images The UEFA Champions League semifinals are set to deliver two fixtures that could hardly be more compelling. On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their semifinal tie. Then on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid welcome Arsenal to the Metropolitano for what promises to be a tactically ferocious battle. Both first legs kick off at 3 p.m. ET, and fans can catch every minute of the action live on Paramount+.Our experts have plenty to chew on heading into these matchups. PSG swept Liverpool in dominant fashion across both legs of the quarterfinals, winning 2-0 in Paris and then shutting out the Reds again at Anfield to advance 4-0 on aggregate. Bayern, meanwhile, got by Real Madrid in a goal-filled tie. On the other side of the bracket, Arsenal edged Sporting CP 1-0 after a goalless draw at the Emirates in the second leg, while Atletico eliminated Barcelona in a dramatic and tense two-legged affair. With momentum, tactical intrigue, and a chance of European glory all on the line, here is how our experts think the first legs play out.Don't miss any of the Champions League. As always, you can catch all of our coverage across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network all season long. Champions League semifinal first legsMatch James Benge Chuck Booth Pardeep Cattry Francesco Porzio Roger Gonzalez PSG vs. Bayern Munich2-22-22-33-22-2Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal0-11-11-12-11-1Who are better built to win the UCL, PSG or Bayern?Bayern Munich -- This matchup is worthy of a final, to the point that it's almost a shame that Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich will meet now instead of in a month's time. Seeing these two square off over two legs, though, is a treat in its own right because it is difficult to pick one over the other. Since I'm being forced to, though, my money is on Bayern -- career-best campaigns from Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz feel like more than enough to cross the finish line, no matter how difficult the obstacles in front of them (or their own defensive frailties) might be. -- Pardeep CattryBayern Munich -- There's a fairly straightforward explanation for this. Bayern Munich have a frontline in which all three players could reasonably argue they are in the form of their lives. Harry Kane cannot stop scoring, Michael Olise has taken another leap after the leap to superstardom and Bayern Munich might never have had a forward better suited to third option than Luis Diaz. In quality terms, that attack might just about be level with PSG's but based on form, it's Bayern that sneak ahead. -- James Benge Bayern Munich -- Vincent Kompany's team are living one of the their best seasons in recent years. They've got all the elements to win the tournament: A strong roster, a talented manager, a perfect mix of experienced players and young talents, and also Harry Kane's season has been outstanding so far. After clinching the Bundesliga title, they can now turn their attention to the Champions League, and they have high chances to make it despite facing one of the strongest competitors in the semifinals. -- Francesco Porzio Bayern Munich, but it's close -- It…

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