The Europa League has its final four, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Valencia and Eintracht Frankfurt set to battle it out for a place in the final.
There are just eight games remaining in this year’s competition, with English teams making up 50% of the remaining sides.
Chelsea secured their place in the last four with an unconvincing 5-3 aggregate win over Slavia Prague, setting up a tie with Frankfurt, who defeated Benfica on away goals after a 4-4 draw.
Arsenal player ratings vs Napoli: Lacazette exceptional, Maitland-Niles superb, Torreira quiet
Goals from Pedro (2), Olivier Giroud and an own goal had put Maurizio Sarri’s side 4-1 up at the break, before two quick-fire goals for the visitors made for a nervy finish at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will have to be wary of top-scorer Luka Jovic, who has been linked with Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
Chelsea player ratings vs Slavia Prague: Pedro & Giroud excellent as Luiz and Emerson struggle
Arsenal claimed an impressive 1-0 away in Naples to carry them through to a 3-0 aggregate win over Napoli. Valencia are next up for the Gunners, who marched past Villarreal in comfortable fashion after a 2-0 (5-1 aggregate) win.
Alexandre Lacazette grabbed the winner with a peach of a free-kick to secure a second win on the road in four days for Unai Emery’s men.
Both teams will now revert their attention back to the Premier League as they bid to secure a top-four finish.
When is the Europa League semi-final draw?
Unlike previous years, the draw for the semi-finals was made in both the Champions League and Europa League at the same time as the quarter-finals. That means supporters don’t have to wait as long to discover their next opponent.
With that, it means the key dates you need are also available.
When will the Europa League semi-final fixtures be played?
The first legs of both ties will be played on Thursday, May 2. Arsenal are at home against Valencia, whilst Chelsea travel to Germany. The two sides then swap a week later, as the second leg plays out on May 9.
Arsenal vs Valencia Europa League semi-final dates
Thursday May 2: Arsenal vs Valencia
Thursday May 9: Valencia vs Arsenal
Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League semi-final dates
Thursday May 2: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Chelsea
Thursday May 9: Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt
When is the Europa League final?
The final is set to be played on Wednesday, May 29, two and a half weeks after the Premier League season has ended.
Supporters of both London clubs will be hoping for an all-England affair. The last time two English sides reached the final of a European competition was in 2008, where Manchester United won the Champions League on penalties against Chelsea.
What is the venue for the Europa League final?
The 2019 Europa League final will take place at the Olympic Stadium, Baku in Azerbaijan.
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