Arsenal take a 3-1 advantage into their Europa League semi-final second leg against Valencia on Thursday evening.
Following a disappointing draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, reaching a first European final in 13 years is realistically the Gunners' last hope of returning to the Champions League next season.
Although, there is still a chance they get the eight-goal swing needed to overtake Tottenham Hotspur and claim a top four finish in the Premier League -albeit it's a very slim one, but history says it shouldn't be ruled out .
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For Gunners head coach Unai Emery, the second leg is somewhat of a homecoming. He managed the La Liga outfit across a four year spell which means he's very familiar with the Mestalla.
Furthermore, Emery has been in the opposite dugout five times since his departure in 2012. Four times as Sevilla coach and once in when in charge of UD Almeria.
With the north London outfit's trip to Spain fast approaching, football.london has taken a close look at the Spanish tactician's record as the opposing manager at the Mestalla ahead of the huge game.
Valencia 0-1 UD Almeria
Date: Sep 2, 2007
Competition: La Liga
Goalscorer(s): Felipe Melo
This was Emery's first time coaching a side at the Mestalla and it played a role in him getting the Los Che top job at the end of the 2007/2008 campaign.
A 20th minute goal from Felipe Melo was enough for his Almeria side to shock a Valencia side which contained the likes of Ivan Helguera, David Silva, Joaquin, David Villa and Juan Mata.
Valencia 3-1 Sevilla
Date: Sep 22, 2013
Competition: La Liga
Goalscorer(s): Kévin Gameiro
Emery's first return to the Mestalla after his departure was at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season as Sevilla boss.
Kevin Gameiro had cancelled out Jonas' first-half goal which had the visitors on course to come away with a point, but Jonas struck again inside the final 20 minutes before Victor Ruiz sealed victory for the hosts at Emery's expense.
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Valencia 3-1 Sevilla
Date: May 1, 2014
Competition: Europa League semi-final second leg
Goalscorer(s): Stephane Mbia
Emery didn't have to wait too long for his second return to the Mestalla. It came in the same season as his first return but this game had even bigger stakes on the line.
Having masterminded a 2-0 first-leg win over his former club in the Europa League semi-final, Sevilla were on the brink of elimination in the return fixture as they trailed 3-0 only for Stéphane Mbia to score the crucial away goal deep into second half injury time.
Arsenal are in a similar position heading into Thursday's clash, only that a 3-1 loss would force extra-time.
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Valencia 3-1 Sevilla
Date: Jan 25, 2015
Competition: La Liga
Goalscorer(s): Carlos Bacca
A familiar theme was beginning to develop for Emery and his returns to Valencia. For the third straight game his Sevilla side were beaten by the same 3-1 scoreline and while it was victory in defeat in the Europa League, this loss was disappointing.
Dani Parejo struck twice inside the opening 33 minutes, Carlos Bacca pulled one back then saw a penalty saved by Diego Alves and watched on as Javi Fuego made it 3-1 before the hour mark.
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Valencia 2-1 Sevilla
Date: Apr 10, 2016
Competition: La Liga
Goalscorer(s): Kevin Gameiro
The streak of 3-1 losses came to an end, but Emery's last visit to the Mestalla brought about a fourth successive defeat for him personally and this one had a dramatic finale.
Again, Gameiro - who will be in Valencia's ranks this week - cancelled out Parejo's opener in the 86th minute and that seemed to be enough for Emery to avoid defeat away at his former club for the first time since 2007.
However, Alvaro Negredo had other ideas as he broke Emery and Sevilla hearts with the winner in injury time.
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The stats show that Emery's sides have never failed to score at the Mestalla, that's a positive for Arsenal as given their defensive record this season they'll need to score at least one to reach the final.
Although, the Spaniard's poor record of one win and four losses at his old stomping ground is certainly cause for concern and needs to be addressed.
Whilst none of the results from the defeats would be enough to eliminate Arsenal after 90 minutes, it does show that fans are in for a long night at the Mestalla with plenty of twists and turns awaiting.
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