Valencia will face Arsenal at Estadio de Mestalla, in Valencia, in the Europa League Semi-Finals second leg. Valencia against Arsenal is always the match with big interest, especially during this season. Both strong and talented squads will play for the Final of second-biggest European Tournament UEFA Europa League. Review our thoughts on this match here below.
Valencia
Valencia this season still fighting for two Trophies. At 25th of May, they will face Barcelona in Copa del Rey Final at Estadio Benito Villamarín, in Sevilla. Only 2 games left in Spanish La Liga and Los Ches have 3 points difference with Getafe, which is on 4th place. That gives them the opportunity to participate in the Champions League next year. So Valencia needs to play the same as they played against Huesca and won confidently last 2 games. Especially, when both opponents are not unbeatable and have lots of weaknesses. Valencia lost 3 of their last 5 games in different competitions.
In the first leg of UEFA Europa League Semi-final Valencia started match very strongly scoring a goal at the 11th minute. However, after that their game became weaker with big problems in defense. They conceded 2 goals almost immediately after scoring. Although guests had more goal attempts and dangerous moments, they lost the first half. Second half was under Arsenal’s control, as Valencia looked very lost on the field, without big chances to succeed, so they finally conceded a late goal from P. Aubameyang at the 91st minute. Even after losing 3:1, they have away goal and that’s not a hopeless situation since they can win at home without conceding and win this battle.
Unfortunately, the team lost 2 great players before next game. Next match the Bats will play without Denis Cheryshev due to a Knee injury and Geoffrey Kondogbia due to a Thigh injury. We propose to pay attention to the players – Kevin Gameiro and Goncalo Guedes since they can be the leaders of the team this time.
Arsenal
Arsenal almost lost their chance to be among top 4 teams in Premier League after a draw against Brighton at Emirates. Now only one chance is to take a ticket is to win Europa League and they are one step behind after win against Valencia 3:1. However, they won only once in the last 5 games in different competitions. Their last form is unimpressive. So Valencia will have a chance to make a comeback and fight as strong as it is possible.
In Semi-final of UEFA Europa League, they won against Valencia after conceding the first goal, so this result was even more pleasant. Gunners controlled the possession of the first half, had fewer goal attempts, although, scored twice. In general, of course, Arsenal was stronger at Emirates and next game in Valencia will be much more difficult. Valencia plays very strong at home.
Unfortunately, Arsenal will play without several main squad players. H. Bellerin, R. Holding due to Knee injuries, A. Ramsey, Denis Suarez, and Danny Welbeck will miss the next most important season’s game. We propose to pay attention to the players – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lucas Torreira since they can take leadership to their hands.
Article image is taken from https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-europa-ars-val-report/lacazette-double-helps-arsenal-beat-valencia-3-1-idUKKCN1S827F