VALENCIA • Valencia coach Marcelino has started the mind games by saying Arsenal are "the favourites" in their Europa League semi-final next month.
The Spanish team, owned by Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, eased into the Europe's second-tier club competition for the first time in five years - a 2-0 home win over fellow LaLiga side Villarreal on Thursday giving them a resounding 5-1 aggregate scoreline.
Toni Lato and Dani Parejo scored the goals that secured the victory and set up a meeting with Arsenal and Valencia's former coach Unai Emery after the London side won 1-0 at Napoli and 3-0 on aggregate.
Full-back Lato strolled into a gaping hole in defence to volley Valencia in front in the 13th minute at a rain-swept Mestalla to settle the home side, who enjoyed a 3-1 win at Villarreal in the first leg.
The lead was doubled early in the second half with a free kick by captain Parejo, which took a deflection off defender Ramiro Funes Mori.
The only disappointment for Marcelino's side is that their former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin is suspended for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on May 2 after a late booking for handball.
"We are very excited about the prospect of reaching another final in our centenary year," said Marcelino, whose side will play Barcelona in the King's Cup final on May 25.
"Arsenal have great players and a coach who knows us perfectly well, so they are one of the favourites.
"But, in a semi-final, anything can happen. Perhaps they will be under a bigger obligation to win than us, but we have the same excitement."
Emery coached Valencia between 2008 and 2012, securing three top-three finishes in a row.
He later eliminated Valencia in the 2014 Europa League semi-finals when in charge of Sevilla, who edged into the final on away goals after snatching a 3-3 aggregate draw with a stoppage-time goal.
Valencia striker Santi Mina added: "Arsenal are a very difficult side, but we are Valencia and we can compete with anybody.
"We've already reached the King's Cup final... and we want to give the fans something more to shout about."
REUTERS
Valencia coach unfazed by Europa League 'favourites' Arsenal
Valencia coach Marcelino insists the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the Europa League semi-finals. Toni Lato and Dani Parejo were on target for Los Che as they
Arsenal favourites for Europa League - Marcelino | Goal.com
Valencia coach Marcelino insists the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Arsenal favourites for Europa League, says Valencia's
Arsenal, Chelsea, Valencia, Frankfurt in Europa League semis
May 02, 2019 · Arsenal, Chelsea in strong positions in Europa League semis. The possibility of an all-English final in the Europa League grew stronger after Arsenal and Chelsea moved into strong positions in the
Arsenal favourites for Europa League, says Valencia's
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has vowed that his team will attack Valencia in the second leg semi-final clash as they bid to reach the Europa League final. The Gunners travel to Spain next week for the second leg after winning the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
Arsenal, Chelsea in strong positions in Europa League semis
Valencia manager, Marcelino has insisted the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the Europa League semi-finals. Valencia made it to the semi-finals of the Europa
Emery: Arsenal Will Attack Valencia In Europa Semis 2nd Leg
Arsenal, Chelsea, Valencia, Frankfurt in Europa League semis Chelsea's Olivier Giroud celebrates with Chelsea's Pedro after he scored his side's third goal during the Europa League quarterfinal
Europa League semi-finals 2019: Arsenal FC vs Valencia CF
Valencia coach Marcelino insists the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the Europa League semi-finals.. Toni Lato and Dani Parejo were on target for Los Che as they
Arsenal vs Valencia: Marcelino predicts winner of Europa
Valencia coach Marcelino insists the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the Europa League semi-finals. Toni Lato and Dani Parejo were on target for Los Che as they
Arsenal favourites for Europa League - Marcelino - msn.com
VALENCIA • Valencia coach Marcelino has started the mind games by saying Arsenal are "the favourites" in their Europa League semi-final next month. The Spanish team, owned by Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, eased into the Europe's second-tier club competition for the first time in five years - a 2-0 home win over fellow LaLiga side
Arsenal favourites for Europa League - Marcelino
Europa League semi-finals confirmed: Arsenal vs Valencia, Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt Arsenal vs Valencia; But Arsenal coach Unai Emery knows he must field his strongest XI if he wants
0 comments:
Post a Comment