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Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Challies

UEFA confirm changes to Arsenal's Europa League tie against Benfica

UEFA have confirmed changes to Arsenal's Europa League Round of 32 clash against Benfica, which has been moved to a neutral venue.

The Gunners were due to commence their knockout venture in the competition next week in Lisbon but travel restrictions imposed on Portugal by the UK amid the COVID-19 pandemic have led to changes.

Both fixtures are now set to be played at neutral venues, with next week's first-leg moved to Roma's Olympic Stadium in the Italian capital.

In a statement, UEFA said: "UEFA is able to officially confirm that the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between SL Benfica and Arsenal FC will now be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The date of the match (18 February 2021) and the kick-off time (21:00CET) will remain the same.

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"UEFA would like to express its gratitude to SL Benfica and Arsenal FC for their support and close cooperation, as well as the Italian Football Federation and AS Roma for their assistance and agreeing to stage the match."

The second-leg the following week, originally due to be played at the Emirates Stadium, has also been moved and will now be held at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens.

UEFA has also confirmed that the away-goals rule will remain in play, despite the fact neither side is playing at their home venue.

Other Premier League clubs have also seen a change of venue implemented, with Liverpool and Manchester City's Champions League matches against RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach being moved to Budapest.

UEFA also confirmed on Tuesday that Manchester United's Europa League clash against Real Sociedad has been moved to the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

With Spain extending the restrictions against UK travellers until early March, it's expected that Chelsea's Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid will also be moved.

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