Arsenal’s hope of winning the Europa League faces its toughest test. The English Premier League side was paired against probably the toughest team in the competition for the upcoming round: Atletico Madrid.
With the quarter-final ending on Thursday, the traditional UEFA draw was held to see who will face who in the semi-final round. Many were praying that the Gunners avoid the Spanish giant until the final, but their meeting will instead happen in the last four.
It will be the first meeting between these two clubs. The north London club has been one of the best sides in the tournament this season, but that did not stop many from conceding this tie.
2017/18 #UEL:
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 13, 2018
Most wins: Arsenal (8)
Most goals: Arsenal (29)
Most shots: Arsenal (162)
Most completed passes: Mohamed Elneny (710)#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/nKQ8UX1SR0
Arsenal won their only previous European semi-final tie against Spanish opposition (Villarreal in the 2005/06 @ChampionsLeague)...#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/AQOicAvcWP
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 13, 2018
Others were excited. Many argued that if Wenger’s side wishes to return to the Champions League, which they can only do by winning this title, they must be able to overcome Simeone’s men.
Unfortunately, this fixture will see Arsenal face a run of tricky features as they will travel to Old Trafford in the Premier League in between the two legs. The London club’s semi-final record against Spanish clubs should give them hope, though.
Can't wait for Arsenal 0-0 Atleti and Atleti 1-0 Arsenal.
— Priya Ramesh (@Priya8Ramesh) April 13, 2018
Arsenal fans watching the Europa League draw like... pic.twitter.com/71OrWVXWFf
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) April 13, 2018
Arsenal face a tasty run of fixtures:
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) April 13, 2018
Atletico (H)
Man United (A)
Atletico (A)
Arsenal fans...
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) April 13, 2018
(Credits: @888sport ) pic.twitter.com/MVy1GYyPjG
Arsenal finally draw a half decent side in the Europa League and it is seen as some kind of disaster. Sums the club up.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 13, 2018
It's the sense of 'that's us done then' which sums Arsenal up. This is a tie to be relished, it could be a classic
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 13, 2018
The Dream of Arsenal winning EUROPA has been put to Rest. They will be facing Costa D. and Griezzmann
— BRAVIN (@ItsBravin) April 13, 2018
Arsenal's trip to United is sandwiched in between their two ties with Atletico. Entirely understandable if Wenger starts a side weaker than the 8-2 XI at #mufc.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) April 13, 2018
Arsenal defenders when they see Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann running at them. pic.twitter.com/crSC7ermXY
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) April 13, 2018
Arsenal, at some stage, had to beat Atlético Madrid, to win Europa League.....
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) April 13, 2018
Now they can eliminate the big favorite in the semis....
Elsewhere, Marseille drew Salzburg in the other semi-final clash. Both of these sides pulled off incredible comebacks in the previous round to book their spot in the last four.