Key takeaways from the Europa League semi-finals second leg
What's the story
The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea are set to face each other in the UEFA Europa League 2018-19 final. The two London clubs won their respective semi-finals to progress. Arsenal thrashed Spanish club Valencia 4-2 to win 7-3 on aggregate. Chelsea sealed progression against Frankfurt via a shootout. Here are the key takeaways.
Learning 1
A bright moment for English football
English clubs have scripted history by taking all four spots in the finals of Europe's two major competitions. It's the first time this has happened. Liverpool and Tottenham booked the final berth in the Champions League after scripting fascinating comebacks. "In England the level is very high and the Premier League is the best championship in Europe," said Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.
Learning 2
Auba and Lacazette partnership is gaining world class status
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a sublime hat-trick for Arsenal to help them thrash Valencia. Alexandre Lacazette had a brilliant night as well. Their understanding was superb as they fed off each other. Both these star strikers were exceptional in the first leg as well. The deployment of Mesut Ozil helped the two. Auba and Lacazette have 48 goals between them this season across all competitions.
Learning 3
Kepa makes amends shows his worth for Chelsea
Belgium international Eden Hazard scored the winning penalty as Chelsea edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 on penalties after the tie had ended 2-2 on aggregate. Goal-keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had a brilliant night after saving two penalties from Martin Hinteregger and Goncalo Paciencia. Kepa also made amends after refusing to be substituted earlier in the League Cup final ahead of the shootout against Manchester City.
Twitter Post
It's coming to London!
🏆 The 2019 #UELfinal is set! 🏆
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 9, 2019
Chelsea 🆚Arsenal #UEL pic.twitter.com/7GRc8uErR5