Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern München put on a semi-final performance for the ages, with the holders winning 5-4 in a breath-taking first leg clash in the French capital.  Two of the protagonists of that epic clash – Paris midfielder Vitinha and Bayern’s Luis Díaz – feature in this issue, and though our interviews took place before the events at the Parc des Princes, both speak with fluency about their valuable roles. So too their fellow cover stars from the other tie, with Atlético de Madrid’s departing legend Antoine Griezmann, who will wave farewell to the Champions League this summer, and Arsenal’s midfield conductor Martin Zubimendi completing our first-ever edition to showcase all four of the semi-finalists.

This season has already given us so much, from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-gasp winner against Real Madrid to Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected run to the round of 16, felling giants like Manchester City, Atleti and Inter along the way. We relive all those moments, speak to Alessia Russo and Alyssa Thompson, savour some matchday bocadillos in Madrid and also take a trip to Baku to feel the heat.