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    Slavia Prague 0 Arsenal 4 LIVE REACTION: Lacazette shines for terrific Gunners as Arteta’s men into Europa League semis

    ARSENAL are into the Europa League semi-finals after a terrific performance against Slavia Prague.
    Final score: Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal
    Goalscorers: Pepe 18′, Lacazette 21′ (pen) 77′, Saka 24′.

    Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

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    THAT’s ALL FOR TONIGHT
    Arsenal, despite being under pressure, got the job done in Prague and the there’s a good chance we could see an all-English Europa League final!
    Arsenal will play their semi-final first leg in Spain against Villarreal on Thursday April 29.
    And the second leg will take place on May 6.
    In terms of what’s to come here on SunSport, we’ve got a mixture of FA Cup and Premier League action coming up this weekend so keep an eye out!
    Goodnight.
    ALL GUNNS BLAZING
    UNAI EMERY are you ready? Because Arsenal are out to show their former manager that they are determined to go all the way in the Europa League.
    And it is Emery’s Villarreal who are standing in their way after Mikel Arteta’s men set up a semi-final blockbuster in devastating style.
    Was it really only two years ago that Emery led the Gunners to the Europa League final before they were hammered 4-1 by Chelsea in Baku?
    Because little more than six months after that Azerbaijani annihilation poor old Unai was on his bike when he was ruthlessly axed by Stan Kroenke.
    Now Emery has a first opportunity to take his revenge on the team who appeared to chuck in the towel during the final weeks of his ill-fated Emirates reign.
    Read More: Slavia Prague 0 Arsenal 4 (1-5 AGG) Match Report
    ARTETA’s THOUGHTS
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We started the game really well, really aggressive in our high press.
    “We regained the ball every time they were attacking. We were really composed in our finishing in the final third and scored some great goals.
    “The clean sheet is important as well, it’s the second one in two games and we need to build on that.
    “The boys were really at it from the start and they showed real quality.”
    SAKA SPEAKS
    Goal-scorer Saka spoke to BT Sport after the game: “It was fantastic from start to finish. We did it for all the fans.
    “They deserve it for all the support they give us. I think we showed real character.
    “After the first one was disallowed we kept going… We were really strong in the first half and pretty much killed the game.
    “I feel in the first leg we played really well, we just weren’t clinical. If we had taken our chances, it would have been a similar result.
    “This shows everyone how exciting we can be… When we play like this it’s so exciting to be involved.
    ‘We have the quality, we just have to show the performances and game management that we did today.”
    EMERY AWAITS
    The Europa League specialist, Unai Emery, will face his old team in the semi-finals.

    AROUND THE GROUNDS
    Here’s a recap of all of tonight’s Europa League quarter-final results:

    Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal (1-5 AGG) FT
    Villarreal 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb (3-1 AGG) FT
    Man Utd 2-0 Granada (4-0 AGG) FT
    Roma 1-1 Ajax (3-2 AGG) FT

    Semi-finals:

    Villarreal vs Arsenal
    Man Utd vs Roma

    FULL-TIME STATS
    Arsenal were ruthless in front of goal, and Leno keeps his first clean sheet in eight games.

    FT: SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    Lacazette scored the only goal of the second half, controlling Pepe’s cross before firing past Kolar.
    Mikel Arteta’s men have delivered under the pressure, and they’re now through to the Europa League semi-finals.
    They’ll face former boss Unai Emery, who manages Spanish side Villarreal – and the first leg will be in Spain.
    We could potentially have an all-English final if Man Utd beat Roma in their semi-final and Arsenal do the business.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES IN PRAGUE!
    ARSENAL ARE THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS!
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    90. The second half has been soooo boring that there will be just ONE additional minute to be added on.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    87. SUBSTITUTION!
    Balogun is on for Pepe for the remaining three minutes or so.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    85. Martinelli gets the beating of Masopust down the left-hand side and cuts inside onto his right foot.
    The Brazilian gets a shot off but drags his effort just wide of the far post. Poor finish after a great run.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    83. Xhaka wins the battle against Olayinka on the edge of Arsenal’s penalty area, relieving some pressure.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    80. YELLOW CARD!
    Martinelli is booked a matter of minutes after just coming on for Arsenal.
    Lacazette celebrates his second goalCredit: GETTY IMAGES

    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    78. SUBSTITUTION!
    Lacazette, Saka and Partey make way for Nketiah, Martinelli and Cedric.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (1-5 AGG)
    75. Pepe gets down the left-hand side and delivers a low cross into the penalty area, picking out Lacazette.
    The Frenchman controls the ball, shifts it out of his feet and fires past Kolar!
    It’s game over in Prague, Arsenal have got the job done against a team which has proved hard to beat at home.
    GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!!
    LACAZETTE SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE EVENING!!!
    GAME OVER!!!
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    71. Slavia Prague are yet to register a shot on target in six attempts, it’s been a poor showing in front of goal.
    But then again, in the first leg of this tie, they didn’t really see much of Leno’s goal until the equaliser.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    70.SUBSTITUTION!
    Kuchta has seen very little of the ball, and he’s being subbed off for Tecl.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    67. Slavia are continuing to hold onto the ball, but they’re doing very little with it.
    Arsenal, on the other hand, have scored three and they’re cruising towards another Europa League semi-final.
    But standing in their way of a final, potentially, is former boss Unai Emery who took Arsenal to the Europa League final in Baku a couple of years back, but unfortunately lost!
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    65. SUBSTITUTION!
    Smith Rowe’s super night comes to an end and he is replaced by defensive-minded midfielder Elneny.
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    64. Just over 26 minutes left in this second leg quarter-final tie, and we’re yet to see a really effort on goal.
    Slavia Prague are playing like a team who know they’re beaten, and Arsenal know they’re all-but through.
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-3 ARSENAL (1-4 AGG)
    62. YELLOW CARD!
    Olayinka is booked for his reaction to a challenge from Xhaka.
    Ceballos rolled around after being brushed by the forward on his way to take the free-kick.
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    Man Utd 2 Granada 0 LIVE REACTION: Cavani and Vallejo OG gives United safe passage into Europa League semi-final vs Roma

    MANCHESTER UNITED are into the semi-finals of the Europa League after a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win over Granada.
    Final score: Man Utd 2-0 Granada
    Goalscorers: Cavani 6′, Vallejo OG 90′

    Follow all the latest reaction with our live blog below…

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    THAT’S ALL FROM OLD TRAFFORD
    Where the Reds have gone marching on, on, on.
    A routine 2-0 Manchester United success added to the one registered in Spain last Thursday, and ensured the Premier League club’s place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
    Granada were ultimately no match for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer men. Roma, who await in the final four, will surely be a different proposition.
    Looking for some late night reading? Here’s Martin Blackburn’s match report of Manchester United’s victory this evening.
    Goodnight.
    ECSTATIC OLE
    A delighted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels his Manchester United team are full of confidence after another victory, and relishes the opportunity to face Roma in the last four.
    Granada give you a game. They’re physical and throw people forward so you have to defend in these kind of games. The win, a clean sheet, and some good individual performances means we’re full of confidence going into Sunday. I’ve not seen too much of Roma, but they’ve played two good games against Ajax. They defend well as Italian teams always do, and we all know Edin Dzeko so every ball into the box is a dangerous one. We are looking forward to it though. We’re in the semis, and it feels like a proper European tie because Roma is a club with lots of history. We’ve done well against Italian sides before.Ole Gunnar SolskjaerBT Sport
    FERNANDES FOCUSED ON SEMI
    Bruno Fernandes has urged caution at any thoughts of May’s Europa League Final, and insists that his side are only focused on the semi-final against Roma – and their league responsibilities before then.
    The Europa League is always difficult, it doesn’t matter who you play against. We knew Granada have quality, and that they can create something, but we did well. We controlled the game and had a lot of the ball. We kept it moving, and the result shows that. Now it is time for the next step and to win the semi-final.Bruno FernandesBT Sport

    SEMI MORE
    Advancing to the final four of European competition has become second nature to Manchester United, but their supporters won’t be happy unless their team go on to lift the trophy.
    Perhaps next season, United can target semi-final number 19 with the aim of finally knocking Liverpool off their perch.
    18 – Manchester United have reached their 18th semi-final in all European competition (inc. Fairs Cup) – only Liverpool (19) have appeared in more amongst English sides. Dream. pic.twitter.com/K9N23ZdOVf— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 15, 2021

    SCORES AND DRAW
    Elsewhere this evening, the other quarter-final ties have all finished:

    MAN UTD 2-0 GRANADA (AGG 4-0)
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX (AGG 3-2)
    SLAVIA PRAGUE 0-4 ARSENAL (AGG 1-5)
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB (AGG 3-1)

    This is what it means for the semi-finals, and the possibility of two all-English finals in Europe this season remains a distinct possibility.

    MAN UTD v ROMA
    VILLARREAL v ARSENAL

    The first legs of the semis will be played on April 29 with the returns a week later.

    FT: MAN UTD 2-0 GRANADA (AGG 2-0)
    Manchester United follow up their 2-0 win in Spain by beating Granada 2-0 at Old Trafford. Edinson Cavani’s early volley set the Premier League side on their way, but they had to wait until the final minute for the second when Jesus Vallejo put through his own net.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!MANCHESTER UNITED CRUISE INTO THE SEMI-FINALS!
    MAN UTD 2-0 GRANADA (AGG 4-0)
    As the clock strikes ninety minutes, United grab their second of the night through Jesus Vallejo’s own-goal.
    The Spanish defender is unable to get himself out of the way once Juan Mata fails to connect with an attempted header, and unintentionally deflects Alex Telles’ cross into the bottom of his own net.
    It came after an extraordinary spell of play in which David De Gea brilliantly saved from Yangel Herrera at point blank range, and Amad Diallo was denied a free-kick having been brought down when through on goal.

    GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!JESUS VALLEJO HEADS INTO HIS OWN NET!!
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    89. Alex Telles spoons a hopeless clearance over his own crossbar.
    I was going to suggest that’s what happen when the defender uses his right foot, but then I watched the replay and realised it was with his left.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    86. Ooof! A thunderbolt from Victor Diaz!
    The Granada captain’s blaster from the edge of the area is straight down the throat of De Gea, who nevertheless does well to keep hold of the ball such is its power.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    83. I understand the reasoning for allowing five substitutions in European games this season, but they really do suck the life out of a second half when both clubs use up their full quota.
    It was certainly the case last night for Liverpool against Real Madrid.

    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    81. Sigh. More substitutions.
    Nehuen Perez replaces German for what is Granada’s fifth and final switch.
    Meanwhile, we finally get a glimpse of Amad, who comes on for Greenwood. Brandon Williams is also at the expense of Wan-Bissaka.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    79. There’s been nothing of interest happening on the pitch so I’ve been watching videos of cute monkeys on Twitter.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    78. I’ll be honest, this has become pretty boring.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    75. Neva’s last act was to pick up that caution. He’s off to be replaced by club captain Victor Diaz.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    74. Herrera is penalised for catching Fred on the foot, which sparks a minor scuffle outside of the Granada penalty area.
    Referee Istvan Kovacs shows a yellow card to Carlos Neva once the melee subsides, and Alex Telles fires the free-kick into the wall.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    73. A well-earned rest for Bruno Fernandes means a cameo for Juan Mata.
    There’s no sign of £35m man Amad Diallo to placate eager United fans.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    71. Herrera lines up a blaster from 25 yards out, but it’s well blocked by Tuanzebe at close quarters.
    Meanwhile, as Juan Mata prepares to come on, the news is that Roma have equalised against Ajax courtesy of Edin Dzeko. The Italians lead 3-2 on aggregate.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    69. Yes, German is much more effective in his own penalty area.
    The Spanish defender is alert to the danger of Dan James’ run in behind as Fernandes unleashes a through pass, and slides in calmly to intervene.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    66. But Granada keep going!
    A free-kick from the near touchline somehow travels all the way through a crowd of players on the edge of the box, and presents a half chance for German.
    The Granada captain is required to swivel and shoot in the blink of an eye, a feat difficult enough for the best strikers let alone a 34-year-old centre-half.
    Unsurprisingly, the shot is pulled well wide.
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    63. As the tie enters it’s final half hour, it’s fair to say that it’s become something of a non-contest.
    Time for Ole to ring the changes and give a youngster or two an opportunity?
    MAN UTD 1-0 GRANADA (AGG 3-0)
    61. German goes into the book for handball after sliding in to divert Fernandes’ pass away with his arm.
    Meanwhile, Dan James is on for Edinson Cavani, whose goal separates the two teams on the night.
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    Roma 1 Ajax 1 LIVE REACTION: Djeko the hero as Italians book Europa League semi-final showdown with Man Utd

    ROMA are into the last-four of the Europa League after Edin Djeko fired in a second half equaliser to see off Ajax.Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

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    THAT’S ALL FROM ROME
    Roma went through to the Europa League semi-finals after drawing 1-1 with Ajax at the Olimpico.
    The Giallorossi thought they put the tie to bed early on when Jordan Veretout picked up a through-ball by Edin Dzeko and hit the target, but the midfielder was caught offside.
    Ajax dominated throughout the encounter and opened the scoring with Brian Brobbey, who beat Pau Lopez with a flick after a wonderful cross by Perr Schuurs on 49 minutes.
    The Dutch giants thought they punched their ticket to the final four when Dusan Tadic sent the ball to the back of the net soon after but the referee checked with VAR and found that Nicolas Tagliafico had fouled Henrikh Mkhitaryan during the build-up.
    Roma ended Ajax’s hopes after 72 minutes when Riccardo Calafiori set Dzeko up for the equaliser.
    The Serie A giants are now set to take on Manchester United in the next round.
    That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a lovely night!
    GETTY IMAGES
    FONSECA REACTS
    Roma manager Paulo Fonseca is thrilled with his team’s qualification and even addressed reports regarding his future at the club.
    Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia: “I’ve never reached a semi-final before, so this makes me very proud, especially as we are representing Italy right now. It’s a source of pride for Roma and we are all very happy.
    “It doesn’t change anything. I don’t know if I will be the Roma coach next season, just that I will be the coach for the next game.
    “As I’ve always said, I am not remotely concerned with the future. All that matters now is Roma. The club owners have always been very close to us all and we feel their presence”
    GETTY IMAGES
    PELLEGRINI REACTS
    Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is pleased with the result but insists they can’t become complacent ahead of the Europa League semi-finals against Manchester United.
    Pellegrini said: “We knew that Ajax were a great team, but we proved that the growth process we’re on is continuing.
    “We are happy, but it’s important to keep our euphoria contained, because there’s a semi-final to play. This means so much because we are trying to become great, to build ourselves up and that is the motivation in every match.
    “We started well and created the first real chance, I slipped and couldn’t put enough power on the ball. This team knows how to face up to difficult moments and I want to give such a big round of applause to my team-mates.
    “If we want to achieve something great, we have to beat the best. We’ll enjoy this evening, but from tomorrow start focusing on the next test”
    GETTY IMAGES
    ROMAN EMPIRE
    It took them a while, but Roma are back in the semi-finals of a major European competition.
    The Giallorossi haven’t made it to a final-four round since the 2017-2018 season after they eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League Round of 16.
    The last time before that took place way back in 1991.
    More info below:
    2018 – Roma have progressed to an European semi-final for the first time since 2017/18 (Champions League) – the previous one was in 1991. Prestige.#UEL #RomaAjax— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 15, 2021

    DZEK IT OUT
    Roma star Edin Dzeko has reached another major milestone in his successful career.
    Dzeko’s goal against Ajax marked his 30th across both the Champions League and Europa League for the Giallorossi.
    The ex-Manchester City star has joined an esteemed group of players who have netted at least 30 goals for a single Italian team across all UEFA competitions.
    That group includes Alessandro Del Piero, Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko
    30 – Edin Dzeko (30 for AS Roma) is one of the only four players able to score 30+ goals for a single Italian club among #UCL/European Cup and #UEL/UEFA Cup, level with Del Piero (46 for Juventus), Inzaghi (36 for AC Milan) and Shevchenko (33 for AC Milan). Hammer.#RomaAjax pic.twitter.com/JrytADwstR— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 15, 2021

    MAN UTD SHOWDOWN
    Roma’s 1-1 draw with Ajax means the Giallorossi are through to the Europa League semi-finals thanks to their 2-1 win in Amsterdam last week.
    The Serie A giants are now set to lock horns with Manchester United in the competition’s final four.
    United qualified after beating Granada 2-0 at Old Trafford tonight thanks to a goal by Edinson Cavani and an own goal by Jesus Vallejo.
    Combined with last week’s victory in Spain, the Red Devils are through with a score of 4-0 on aggregate
    GETTY IMAGES
    STATS
    Ajax dominated 71.7 per cent of possession throughout the encounter and still got eliminated.
    The Eredivisie leaders registered a whopping total of 10 shots, but only three of them were on target.
    Roma, on the other hand, recorded seven shots, three of which were on target.
    The Giallorossi topped the disciplinary records as they amassed five yellow cards, compared to Ajax’s two
    FT: ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    Roma qualified for the Europa League semi-finals with a score of 3-2 on aggregate.
    The Giallorossi thought they put the tie to bed early on into the match with Jordan Veretout’s goal but the midfielder was caught offside.
    Ajax dominated possession throughout the entire encounter and opened the scoring with Brian Brobbey when the striker picked up a wonderful cross by Perr Schurrs and beat Pau Lopez with a beautiful flick on 49 minutes.
    The Eredivisie leaders thought they got what they needed soon after when Dusan Tadic hit the back of the net but the referee checked with VAR and found that Henrikh Mkhitaryan was fouled by Nicolas Tagliafico in the build-up.
    Ajax thought they were on course for a comeback but Roma ended their hopes after 72 minutes when Riccardo Calafiori set up Edin Dzeko for the equaliser
    GETTY IMAGES
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    AND THAT’S FULL-TIME IN ROME!!!!!!!!
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    90+5 CHANCE
    Ajax are desperately looking for a second goal and Kudus fires a long-range shot that completely misses the target.
    That was a very poor effort
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    90+2 YELLOW CARD
    Martinez gets booked foe a push on Borja
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    90 Five more minutes of added time to go.
    Time is seriously running out for Ajax and Roma can’t afford to get complacent
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    89 YELLOW CARD
    Tagliafico becomes the first Ajax star to be booked for a devastating tackle on Mancini.
    Roma are complaining tot he referee for not giving the advantage as they were creating a major goalscoring opportunity
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    87 SUBSTITUTION
    Roma manager Fonseca makes another change as Mkhitaryan is replaced by ex-Chelsea star Pedro
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    86 YELLOW CARD
    Yet another booking for a Roma player as Cristante is penalised for a rough tackle on Klaassen
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    84 Also, to confirm, Roma made a substitution two minutes ago as Villar took Calafiori’s place.
    Ajax are in desperate need for a goal
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    83 SUBSTITUTION
    A last throw of the dice from Ajax manager Ten Hag, who brings on Traore and Idrissi, who replace Neres and Shuurs respectively.
    Reminding that Schuurs replaced Klaiber in the first half
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    80 SUBSTITUTION
    Roma manager Fonseca introduces the Europa League’s joint-top scorer Borja, who takes Dzeko’s place
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    78 YELLOW CARD
    Dzeko gets booked for accidentally stepping on Martinez
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    76 Calafiori gets back up and shows that he can continue.
    Some dramatic last few minutes left in the match
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    76 Calafiori, the man who set up Dzeko’s equaliser, is down on the ground with what looks like a hamstring injury.
    If the youngster can’t continue then Fonseca will be out of options as he is missing Spinazzola and Peres
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    75 As it stands now, Ajax need one more goal to take the game to extra time.
    If nothing changes then Roma are obviously going through to the semi-finals
    GETTY IMAGES
    ROMA 1-1 AJAX
    72 Ajax really let themselves down there…
    Mkhitaryan switches to Calafiori down the left flank and the youngster takes advantage of Timber’s slip to deliver a cross that gets a deflection.
    The ball reaches Dzeko, who is barely marked, and the ex-Manchester City star beats Stekelenburg to make it 1-1

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    Villarreal vs Dinamo Zagreb LIVE: Stream free, score, TV channel as Spanish side WIN – Europa League latest updates

    VILLARREAL are into the Europa League semi-finals after seeing off a spirited challenge from Dinamo Zagreb.Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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    THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
    Villarreal are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
    The home side were 2-0 up by half time thanks to goals from Paco Alacer and Gerard Moreno.
    Mislav Orsic pulled back a goal for Dinamo in the 2nd half but it merely proved to be a consolation.
    Unai Emery will come up against his former side Arsenal in the semi’s the first leg will take place on Thursday 29th April.
    Join us on SunSport for more live blogs over the weekend.
    Goodnight!!!!!!!!!
    REACTION FROM KRZNAR
    “We put our focus on defence, wanting to keep a clean sheet until the break and try to carry more risk in the second half, but we didn’t do it well.
    “We could have done that better. Today we are sad, but tomorrow we will be proud.”
    REACTION FROM ORSIC
    “This is the end of our European trip and we are alla bit sad about it, but we did a really good job.
    “We didn’t start this match as we wanted and after we conceded two goals it was really difficult.
    “We scored once in the second half and we were hoping to get back in the game, but we didn’t.”
    MORE FROM LIVAKOVIC
    “We were not strangers in this phase of the Europa League. We did a good job, have progressed this season and can be satisfied.”
    REACTION FROM LIVAKOVIC
    “We had nothing to lose in the second half: we scored once and had hoped we could score another to make the last few minutes interesting.
    “We did our best and gave all of our effort.”
    REACTION FROM ADEMI
    “Congratulations to Villarreal – they deserved this victory and were the better team.
    “We gave our best, did a good job and need to keep our heads up.”
    A SIXTH SEMI FOR EMERY

    HUGE NIGHT FOR VILLARREAL

    IT’ WILL BE ARSENAL IN THE SEMIS

    MORENO’S GOAL SEALED IT

    STAT ATTACK

    A GREAT NIGHT FOR VILLARREAL

    VILLARREAL HEAT MAP

    VILLARREAL HEAT MAP

    AVERAGE POSITION OF BOTH SIDES

    ACTION AREAS

    PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!
    FULL TIME
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    90. There will be 3 minutes of added time.
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    88. Chance! Petkoic is fouled by Albiol on the edge of the box, Orsic takes the free kick but blazes it over!
    Good chance for the away side.
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    84. Sub for Villarreal, Parejo is replaced by Coquelin.
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    83. subs for Dinamo, Theophile-Catherine and Ademi are replaced by Peric and Misic.
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    81. Chance! Chukwueze picks up the ball to the right of goal, he cuts in on his left foot and shoots towards the opposite corner but Livakovic makes the save!
    Great effort from the winger, who’s had a great game tonight.
    VILLARREAL 2-1 DINAMO ZAGREB
    78. Dinamo pushing higher up the pitch but Villarreal still look comfortable.
    More urgency from Dinamo, but they’re struggling to get hold of the ball.
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    Man Utd verdict: Greenwood’s education under Cavani set to be cut short just as benefits start showing

    WITH EDINSON CAVANI set to wave goodbye to Manchester United, these final few weeks of the season must be bitter sweet for Mason Greenwood. The Uruguayan signed on a one-year contract in the summer with the option of a 12-month extension – and has impressed during his short spell.
    Mason Greenwood is blossoming up front alongside Edinson CavaniCredit: Rex

    His goal against Granada was his first in Europe for United – the 50th of his career – making it nine goals in 30 appearances in all competitions this campaign. 
    But at 34-years-old – and with his time in England soured by a three-game ban for racially insensitive language on Instagram in December – Cavani is rumoured to be longing for a return home to South America.
    With contract talks yet to take place, it is unlikely they ever will.
    So, for someone like Greenwood, 19, his time learning from one of the game’s greats could soon be coming to an end just when it looked to be having a positive impact.
    Greenwood has three goals and an assist in his last four games. In two of those, Cavani has been alongside him leading the way.
    His experience playing in the best leagues in the world and banging in the goals at the same time must be invaluable for someone wanting to soak up everything they can.
    Kylian Mbappe is now one of the world’s great strikers, and it is no coincidence it has come after spending two seasons with Cavani at PSG.
    Selfishly, Greenwood must be begging the United board to do what it takes to keep Cavani at the club as he too looks to take the next step on his own journey to superstardom.
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    Nights like the one against Granada show why – having a front row seat watching the ultimate goal-getter work his magic.
    Cavani’s drop off and then volley into the bottom corner to give United the lead on Thursday night was a trademark No9 strike in and around the box.
    Those movements, slight touches and know-how should be played back to Greenwood at every possible moment in his development.
    If Cavani does decide to end his illustrious career back home, then some may argue it gives Greenwood the chance to be chucked in the deep end and learn on the job.
    He has proven he is certainly good enough to do that with already an old head on young shoulders.
    Yet the great players of the past have always had a wise head to lean on. Just look at how Robin van Persie matured at Arsenal learning off Thierry Henry before taking the reins.
    Greenwood already has it in the England camp with Harry Kane, and could yet learn from the Tottenham striker further if he makes it in the Euros squad this summer.
    If he is to transform himself into one of the globe’s best strikers – in fierce competition with Mbappe and Erling Haaland – Greenwood may still need a guiding hand at Old Trafford.
    Unfortunately, Cavani may not be around long enough to see it.

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    When are Europa League semi-finals? Dates, TV channel and live stream as Arsenal and Man Utd into final four

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have both booked their place in the Europa League semi finals.The Red Devils saw off Granada with minimal fuss, while the Gunners went to Prague and dispatched Slavia in ruthless fashion.
    Sevilla are the current Europa League holdersCredit: AFP
    When are Europa League semi-finals?
    After another gruelling campaign, the quest to follow in Sevilla’s footsteps and win the Europa League is almost at an end.
    Following the second legs of the quarter-finals on April 15, the semi-finals will also be two-legged affairs.
    The first matches will take place on Thursday, April 29.
    The second legs will then be held a week later on Thursday, May 6.
    As yet, no kick-off times have been confirmed.
    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    BT Sport have the rights to show every Europa League game live in the UK.
    If you’re a BT Sport subscriber, you can grab the official app to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.
    Can I watch for free?

    EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
    And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
    At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

    What are the semi-final matches?
    The draw for the semi-finals was made at the same time as the quarter-finals, so we know who will face each other in the last four.
    Arsenal and Man Utd are on opposite sides of the draw, so could potentially meet in the final.

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    Arsenal verdict: In Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, Gunners have two diamonds to build their team around

    THE latest double-act display from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe was simply too hot for Slavia Prague to handle.And it is that thrilling combination between the two best mates that will have Arsenal fans believing the good times CAN return to the red side of North London again.
    Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were both immense in Arsenal’s win against Slavia PragueCredit: EPA
    Gooners are sensible enough to know that when it comes to competing for the Premier League, they are currently miles off the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
    Champions-elect Manchester City? Forget about it.
    But in Saka and Smith Rowe, they have two diamonds to build their team around.
    And if they invest sensibly to facilitate their development  – as well as manage to keep hold of the twinkle-toed pair – then in a couple of seasons, they could be back in business.
    Make no mistake, the heat was on in Prague because had Arsenal lost this match, their season would have been over.
    The gap to the European places in the league for Mikel Arteta’s inconsistent side just looks too much with seven games to go.
    But you would never have guessed Saka and Smith Rowe were feeling the pressure the way they ripped apart a Prague defence which had seen off Leicester and Rangers in previous rounds.
    Three killer goals, all involving one or both of the duo, extinguished Slavia’s hopes inside 24 minutes.
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    Arsenal can build their team around the pair for years to comeCredit: Reuters

    Smith Rowe even had time to have a goal chalked off for a narrow offside by VAR before the blitz began, tucking away a rebound after Saka cracked the post.
    The England Under-21 ace shrugged off the disappointment by setting up Nicolas Pepe for a close-range opener with some amazing dancing feet in the box.
    Four minutes later, Smith Rowe raced away down the right and cut the ball back for his pal Saka who was taken out in the box. Alexandre Lacazette did the rest from 12 yards.
    And it was game over when Saka found the bottom corner with a clever strike that left Prague keeper Ondrej Kolar rooted to the spot.
    Saka, 19, and Smith Rowe, 20, first started playing regularly in Arsenal’s Under-16s so no wonder their on-field relationship looks almost telepathic.
    Smith Rowe told SunSport in an exclusive interview last month: “I feel like we know each other so well that in games it’s not that difficult for us to link up.

    “We’re so competitive, even in the little things like table tennis and in the gym. We’re always laughing in the changing room.
    “We know each other inside out. I feel it’s really showing on the pitch and we just want to carry on.”
    They certainly carried it on tonight to show signs of a dynamic partnership that could flourish for Arsenal – and England – for years.
    “They’re the future, and they’re showing it tonight”, said former Gunners defender Martin Keown at half-time.
    That is what Arsenal need to look towards now.
    And in Saka and Smith Rowe, the future looks very bright indeed.
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    Man Utd 2 Granada 0 (4-0 on agg): Cavani volleys Solskjaer into FIFTH semi-final as Red Devils boss with Roma up next

    EDINSON CAVANI was the stand-out performer as he brought a European final firmly into focus for Manchester United.Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed this week his players have been struggling to pick each other out at Old Trafford recently.
    Man Utd striker Edinson Cavani celebrates his breakthrough against GranadaCredit: EPA
    Edinson Cavani volleys Man Utd in front after just six minutesCredit: AFP
    Jesus Vallejo fails to adjust in time as the ball goes in off his head for an own goal that sealed United’s 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: Getty

    The red banners over the seats at their home have been replaced by black ones – part of the club’s stand against racism.  
    And after a second home win against the new backdrop,  United’s sights are now firmly set on May 26 in Gdansk.
    Cavani struck his 50th goal in European competition to effectively end this tie as a contest in just the sixth minute.
    And now only Roma stand in United’s way of a first final under Solskjaer – who will hope it can be fifth time lucky in the semis.  
    With a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Andalucia, it always looked a long way back for the European rookies from Spain.
    Their fate was sealed early on as stand in full-back Alex Telles hung up a cross from the left which was nodded up in the air by Paul Pogba.
    It dropped nicely for Cavani who swung his left peg lazily to send a volley past Rui Silva.
    Another view of the superb early strike from Edinson CavaniCredit: Getty
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plays it cool as his Man Utd side battle with GranadaCredit: Getty
    The Uruguayan – who also found the net at Tottenham on Sunday – is making a real case for an extra year with United.
    With the transfer market expected to be difficult due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Solskjaer is likely to urge him to stay for another 12 months.
    He has now scored in 11 straight seasons in UEFA competition  – a run dating back to December 2012.
    Pogba was booked for swinging an arm into the face of Granada captain German Sanchez and he was holding his breath minutes later.

    He lunged in to tackle on loan Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera but fortunately there was no card from the Romanian ref –   just a final warning.
     From the resulting free-kick Herrera ghosted in around the back but planted his header wide.
    The Venezuelan is hoping to be back in Manchester next season playing for Pep Guardiola’s team and did himself no harm with his first half show here.

    United frontman Mason Greenwood reels in pain but was able to continueCredit: EPA
    Granada suffer as Edinson Cavani and Co reached the semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
    Granada’s Yangel Herrera flies in to head close for GranadaCredit: Reuters
    The new background – part of the club’s ‘See Red’ campgian – was obviously doing the job as they also won against Brighton on the opening night.  
    United looked to add to their lead before the break but Bruno Fernandes had left his shooting boots at home.
    The Portuguese sent a fierce volley just over the angle and was unlucky but then pulled his shot wide from 20 yards after a clever lay off from Cavani.
    With Pogba in danger of getting himself sent off, Solskjaer decided to intervene at the interval.
    He took the captain off to avoid a suspension for the semi-final in two weeks time and replaced him with Donny van de Beek.
    The Dutch midfielder – who has had such an indifferent first season at Old Trafford – stood up a cross that unmarked Mason Greenwood headed straight at the keeper.
    Cavani got on the end of a Bruno Fernandes cross but his glancing header dropped just wide.
    UNFORTUNATE WAY TO END
    And a surging run from Greenwood ended with van de Beek shooting just off target when a goal would have done him the power of good.
    This tie was the biggest moment in Granada’s history and nobody would have begrudged them if they had marked it with a goal.
    In fact they did everything but score with Herrera bringing a smart save out of David de Gea who was determined to preserve his clean sheet.
    Victor Diaz also tried his luck from distance but this one was straight at the Spanish keeper.
    As the game ticked into stoppage time the second goal arrived and it was another cross from the left by Telles that did the damage.
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    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    It looked destined for sub Juan Mata but hit the body of defender Jesus Vallejo and rolled into the net. 
    It was an unfortunate way for Granada’s big night to end and they will hope their day comes again soon. 
    But United are looking forward to their 18th European semi-final later this month. Only great rivals Liverpool in this country have more. 
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