The Europa League last remaining four clubs have learnt their semi final fate after the semi final draws. These include English Premier Leagu sixth positioned Arsenal FC, Laliga second favorites Atletico Madrid, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg and French League’s FC Merseille.
The Gunners will host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates in the first half of the tie, which appears to be just three days before they travel to Manchester United in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger’s future may depend on beating Atletico Madrid after his team received that many refer to as the worst possible draw for their Europa League fate. On the other hand, Diegeo Simeone’d Atletico are the top Europa favorites after twice reaching the champions league final and also winning La Liga over recent seasons.
This will be Arsenal’s first European semi-final since the 2009 Champions League and aiming to reach their first final since losing 2 – 1 against Barcelona in the 2006 European cup final.
In the other semi-final draw, FC Slazburg will be travelling to France for their first leg with the Olympique de Merseille. Salzburg reached the stage in the night’s most dramatic tie, as they came from behind to over turn a three-goal deficit and complete a 6 – 5 win thriller on aggregate after earning a stunning 4 – 1 victory.
The first legs will be played on Thursday 26 April with the returns taking place on Thursday 3rd May. The Europa League final will be in Lyon, France on Wednesday, 16 May, with the winner guaranteed a place in the next season’s Champions League.