Football: Arsenal, Atletico through to semis of Europa League
English giants Arsenal clinched a 2-2 draw against CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Europa League 2nd leg quarter-final encounter. The draw was enough for Arsene Wenger's side to reach the semis after a 6-3 overall aggregate. Meanwhile, Atletico suffered a 1-0 loss in Lisbon but despite that they booked their spot in semis. Here is how the Europe League quarter-finals turned up.
England international Danny Welbeck handed lacklustre Gunners a much needed breathing space in the 75th minute. Aaron Ramsey then struck the crucial equalizer in injury time as Arsenal ensured qualification. The English side had gone 0-2 down in the first half with goals from Fyodor Chalov and Kirill Nababkin. The visitors have reached their first ever Europa League semi-final.
This is Arsenal's first European semi-final after nine years. The Gunners are also the fifth club from England to reach the semis of the Europa League. The last two English teams that reached semis (Chelsea and Manchester United) managed to win the title.
Two-time Europa League winners Atletico Madrid sealed progression despite an unimpressive night in Lisbon. Diego Simeone's side went down after a first-half goal from Sporting's Fredy Montero in the 28th minute. The favourites for the tournament held on from there on to protect their first leg lead. The qualified on a 2-1 aggregate score, not before losing key players to injuries.
Red Bull Salzburg, which were trailing 2-4 from the first leg against Lazio, won 4-1 at home to enter the semi-finals. All four goals came in the second half despite Lazio taking the lead. Marseille too staged a comeback after losing the first leg and being 1-0 down at home against Leipzig. They went on to win 5-2 and an overall 5-3 on aggregate.
⏰FULL TIME! ⏰
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 12, 2018
Salzburg, Marseille, Atlético Arsenal reach the semi-finals! 🎉🎉🎉
Goals, goals, goals! Comeback of the night? 🤔#UEL pic.twitter.com/SqJ8D7HLDI
