Chelsea coast past Dymano Kiev to put one foot in Europa League quarter-finals
Chelsea put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge.
Goals by Pedro, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi handed Chelsea a significant advantage heading into next week's second leg in Ukraine.
And on a night when Arsenal slipped to a shock Europa League defeat, Chelsea asserted themselves as one of the favourites to win this summer’s final in Baku with a stylish victory. Relive the action below.
Hello! It's a busy night in the Europa League with all 16 teams in action. Chelsea take on Dynamo Kiev later this evening at Stamford Bridge (8pm KO), but first up is Arsenal's trip to Rennes, as the Gunners chase the first European trophy since 1994. Michael will be along shortly with all the team news and build-up. In the meantime, here's the latest from the Arsenal camp:
Arsenal bring good fortune with them as they look to take a step closer to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
They have never lost an away game against French opposition with eight wins and five draws in 13 games.
Rennes will be the 10th different French team Arsenal have faced in all European competition, with the Gunners defeating all nine French sides they've previously met.
Rennes will be hosting an English side for only the second time in their history, their first was against Aston Villa in July 2001. A match they won 2-1.
Unai Emery on Rennes biggest threat Hatem Ben Arfa:
"He is a very good player, he is playing with a big performance and we know they have good organisation, good players and one is Ben Arfa.
"We need to control his quality, his skills, because in the two matches they played against Betis he was playing very well. It is not only Ben Arfa, they have good defensive players, but mostly Ben Arfa is very important for them."
With two massive nights in the Champions League just gone, what does European football have in store for us today?
If you didn't know, were you hiding under a rock or something? VAR played a pivotal role in Manchester United's progression to the quarter-finals last night and as always controversy is never far away when VAR gets the call:
Another key player for Arsenal to watch out for is Ismaila Sarr. The French side's no. 7 has been directly involved in five Europa League goals this season - more than any other player in his team.
With such a closely contested Premier League season for the top four places the Europa League may prove to be crucial for Arsenal and Chelsea to secure Champions League football next season.
The English sides are two of the top three favourites to lift the trophy with Napoli the only team to split them.
A good game in France tonight could see Arsenal take one step closer to that goal.
Arsenal switch the play as Monreal heads out wide and Iwobi comes in field. Monreal gets the ball and gives it to Iwobi who works his way into the box. He tries to play a low ball into the far post for someone to latch onto but Koubek leaves it and the ball goes in off the inside of the far post. Arsenal lead.
Rennes have seen a fair bit of the ball but Arsenal have been obviously more threatening when they control it. The visitors work the ball back to their own defence to start another forward move.
Zeffane blocks out Aubameyang as he looks to break on the counter. Rennes attack for themselves and Bourigeaud sends Bensebaini down the left into the box. His through ball is heavy though and the ball goes out for a goal kick.
Great play from Arsenal. It's only their second real attack as Ozil sends the ball out to Iwobi on the left. He makes his way into the box before squaring it to Torreira who shoots and forces Koubek into a strong save to his left.
Mustafi makes a foul and makes a meal out of being injured but Rennes have a free kick about 30 yards out from goal. Grenier lines up the free kick and shoots but Cech watches it go over the bar.
