This morning the two opponents for the Europa League final were decided.
Valencia took on Arsenal at home, looking to overcome a 3-1 deficit. The game started well for Valencia as they took control as Kevin Gameiro tapped in an early goal in the 11th minute giving the Valencia fans hope as the aggregate became 2-3. This was short lived as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished a beautiful half volley in the 17th minute. The game was in the balance as Alexandre Lacazette scored in the 50th minute followed by another Valencia goal by Kevin Gameiro. The longer the game went on the less likely it looked that Valencia would make a comeback. Aubameyang decided that he wanted a hatrick scoring two more beautiful goals including his signature front flip goal celebration. His hatrick put the match beyond doubt, booking Arsenal a spot in the Europa League Final.
Here is a link to the highlights from the match:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cMSBkyV4Hg
With the first match ending 1-1, Chelsea took on Eintracht Frankfurt, looking to come out strong at home and book a place in the final. Chelsea youth team product, Ruben Loftus Cheek scored the opening goal, slotting a sublime ball from Eden Hazard into the bottom right corner. Frankfurt fired back through Luka Jovic as he played a superb one-two pass followed by a beautiful right footed finish. The game was fairly even throughout with poor finishing causing the match to go to extra time. Multiple saves from Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and a clearance off the line by Chelsea defender David Luiz saw the game go to penalties. The penalty shootout started very well for Frankfurt as they scored all 3 of the first 3 penalties while Chelsea missed their second penalty. An extremely poor penalty from Martin Hinteregger and a save from Kepa saw Eden Hazard step up to take the potentially winning penalty for Chelsea. Rumours say that Real Madrid are on the hunt for Hazard with a deal already in the works. This penalty kick had the possibility of being his last kick of the ball for Chelsea, however with the class of Hazard, he powered it down the middle, sending Chelsea through to face city rivals Arsenal in the final.
Here is a link to the highlights from the match, including the penalty shootout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk7U2f2-up8&feature=onebox
With Liverpool and Tottenham securing their place in the Champions League Final, and now Arsenal and Chelsea in the Europa League final it is an all English end to both competitions, reinforcing what a lot of people say, myself included, that the English Premier League is the best football league in the World.
In terms of predictions for the final, I believe that Chelsea will win as I think they play better in bigger games, whereas Arsenal often capitulate. However, it wouldn't surprise me if Arsenal won.
Thanks for reading today's post and stay tuned for tomorrow's.
- Jonathan
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