Arsenal will take part in this season’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich, Martin Keown has predicted.
For the first time in the club’s history, Arsenal have reached successive Champions League semi-finals after beating Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate as Kai Havertz’s stoppage time goal in the first leg proved decisive.
While the Gunners were far from their best across both quarter-final ties, they got the job done and will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
The other last-four showdown pits holders Paris Saint-Germain against who many regard as the tournament favourites in Bayern and home advantage in the second leg could be key for Vincent Kompany’s side.
PSG beat Liverpool 2-0 home and away in the quarter-finals to progress 4-0 on aggregate, but it took a big effort from Bayern to fend off a spirited fightback from Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Late goals from Luis Duiz and Michael Olise handed the German giants a 4-3 victory on the night, meaning they progressed 6-4 on aggregate.
"It's too hard to call," Keown said initially before making his prediction for the PSG vs Bayern clash after ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole backed the holders to come out on top.
"I'll go with Bayern instead," the Gunners legend said. "An Arsenal-Bayern final. We've seen out here already that Arsenal beat Bayern.
“Bayern now have gone through the gears obviously.
“I would prefer Bayern because of PSG’s pace, it’s ridiculous.”
Three of the four teams left in Europe’s premier competition are all at the top of the table in their respective leagues, while Atletico will contest this season’s Copa del Rey final at the weekend against Real Sociedad.
Champions League semi-final first leg matches are scheduled to be held on April 28/29, with the return fixtures taking place a week later.
