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

The Champions League semifinals conclude this week, and we will soon find out who are the finalists for the June 1 showdown in London. PSG host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, looking to overcome a 1-0 loss in Germany, but Luis Enrique’s team should be far from rattled. In the quarterfinals, they lost at home to Barcelona and managed to dominate in Spain to advance to the last four. In the other semifinal, it’s tied at 2-2 between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich with more fireworks expected at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. 

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

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

Here’s how to watch all the games, what to know, our expert picks and more:

Semifinals TV schedule

All times U.S./Eastern

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Champions League semifinal picks

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

PSG vs. Dortmund

By Jonathan Johnson

One matchup to watch: Kylian Mbappe vs. Julian Ryerson — Assuming that Luis Enrique keeps the French superstar out wide, which was far more impactful than when he was deployed through the middle, Dortmund could be in for a tough time at the back. Ryserson was excellent in the opening leg but the Germans were unable to add to their one-goal advantage despite the pressure they managed to put PSG under. Les Parisiens have nothing to lose here and everything to gain by coming out looking to blow their visitors away so expect Mbappe to show his teeth.

Most likely to score a goal: Goncalo Ramos — It feels set for the Portuguese hot shot to continue his fine scoring form whenever given the chance by Luis Enrique. When that might happen on Tuesday remains to be seen, but expect Ramos to get a chance at Parc des Princes and possibly take the only opportunity that comes his way, such is his prolific 2024 so far. If Mbappe does stay out wide, then that could create the perfect opportunity for Ramos in the middle as the focal point of the attack.

Man of the Match pick: Marquinhos — There were moments in the opening leg when the Brazil international rolled back the years with some brilliant vintage defending and PSG will need their captain to be at his best again here. With the news that Lucas Hernandez is now out injured after surgery and likely gone for a long time, Marquinhos will need to be more assured than ever.

Match prediction: PSG 2-0 Dortmund — The first goal in this one will be key and the hosts have no reason to not go for it from the off with Dortmund likely to be wary of a fast start from PSG and therefore more conservative than last week. If Les Parisiens can get one then the two legs against Barcelona showed that they can get two or more and they were unlucky to fail to score in Germany. This one ended 2-0 to Paris back in 2020 and could be a repeat result here to seal a final berth.

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich

By Francesco Porzio

One matchup to watch: Rodrygo vs. Kim Min-Jae – This will likely become the key matchup of the game, considering that most of the pressure on the visitors will be on the defensive side of the the ball. In the first leg, Bayern Munich had many chances to score the first goal, but Real Madrid managed to get the most out of their first shot thanks to the defensive issues of the German side. 

Most likely to score a goal: Jude Bellingham – He has already scored 22 goals in 38 games so far this season, including four in nine Champions League matches. Despite that, Bellingham’s work isn’t done and he now must make another impact in the second leg of his first UCL semifinal against Bayern Munich. He’s yet to score his first goal in the elimination rounds, and what better opportunity to do it? 

Man of the Match pick: Vinicius Jr. – Speaking of players that usually make an impact, Vinicius Jr. is the leading candidate for the MVP of the game, after scoring a brace in the first leg of the semifinal and especially after scoring 21 in 35 matches up to now. He’s the face of this team and the player everyone is expecting to make the difference at such 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 Bernabeu the second leg is always the last thing you want to do in this sport. This is why I’m expecting Carlo Ancelotti and his team do it once again.