Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals after the draw was made today.
According to Uefa statistics, Arsenal’s record at home to Spanish clubs is eight wins, three draws and three losses. Meanwhile, Atletico are on a three-match unbeaten away run against English clubs.
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Commenting on the draw, Uefa’s Arsenal reporter Daniel Thacker said: “Safe to say that’s not the draw Arsenal wanted. The Gunners will be afforded far less space against Atletico than they have enjoyed in previous ties this season.
“Even so, the Spanish side would have wanted to avoid Arsenal, too: on form, [Alexandre] Lacazette, [Mesut] Ozil and [Aaron] Ramsey are too good going forward for most sides.”
Europa League semi-final draw
- Marseille (Fra) vs. RB Salzburg (Aus)
- Arsenal (Eng) vs. Atletico Madrid (Spa)
French football legend Eric Abidal was on hand at Uefa HQ in Nyon, Switzerland to pick the teams out of the hat.
The draw to decide the ‘home’ team for the Europa League final was also made. If Marseille or RB Salzburg reach the 16 May showpiece in Lyon they will be the home side against Arsenal or Atletico Madrid.
When are the Europa League semi-finals?
The Europa League semi-final first legs will be played on Thursday 26 April and the second legs on Thursday 3 May.
First-leg fixtures: 26 April
- Marseille vs. RB Salzburg
- Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid
Second-leg fixtures: 3 May
- RB Salzburg vs. Marseille
- Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal
When and where is the 2018 Europa League final?
It’s at the Stade de Lyon in France on Wednesday 16 May (7.45pm kick-off). The winners of the Europa League final will qualify for next season’s Champions League.
2018 Europa League betting odds
Who will win the Europa League? Here are the latest best prices according to Oddschecker, as of 13 April:
Europa League winner:
- Atletico Madrid: 5/4 fav
- Arsenal: 10/3
- Marseille: 6/1
- RB Salzburg: 7/1
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