Europa League roundup: Arsenal, Chelsea highlight semifinalists
Arsenal cruised into the final four of the Europa League on Thursday courtesy of a 1-0 win at Napoli.
Alexandre Lacazette's beautiful free-kick after 36 minutes lifted the Gunners to a 3-0 aggregate advantage. Napoli offered little in response.
In Arsenal's native London, Chelsea made hard work of a 5-3 aggregate ousting of Slavia Prague. Maurizio Sarri's side fashioned a 4-1 lead by the interval, but a Petr Sevcik brace in the second half gave the visitors slim hopes of a remarkable comeback.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt beat Benfica 2-0 at Waldstadion to advance on away goals following the Portuguese club's 4-2 victory in the first scuffle. Sebastian Rode jabbed in the decisive goal from the edge of the area after 67 minutes.
Eintracht Frankfurt have qualified for their first semi-final of a major European club competition for the first time since 1979-80.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 18, 2019
A historic night for the Eagles. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/V8EqQX8CMU
Valencia are also through after completing the formality of a 5-1 aggregate triumph over regional rivals Villarreal. Young full-back Toni Lato and midfielder Daniel Parejo scored for Los Ches.
Arsenal will face Valencia and Eintracht will take on Chelsea in the semifinals.
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