TheCable

Villarreal have knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League with a 0-0 draw at the Emirates to secure a place in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

On Thursday night, the Spaniards held on to claim a 2-1 aggregate win and qualify for their first ever final appearance in a European competition.

They will meet Manchester United who overcame Roma 8-5 on aggregate despite losing 3-2 in the second leg in Italy.

Unai Emery, former Arsenal manager, who was sacked in November 2019, returned to deny his former employers European football next season.

The 49-year-old Villarreal manager has now led a club to his fourth Europa League final.

Villarreal, unbeaten in 13 European games, had the first opportunity through Samuel Chukwueze, Super Eagles of Nigeria winger, but his curling shot was tipped away by Bernd Leno, Arsenal goalkeeper.

The Gunners had the best chance of the first half through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but the striker could only hit the base of the post.

Chukwueze, Villarreal’s most-potent attacking outlet, got injured with what looked like hamstring and was stretchered off on 28 minutes.

Arsenal then finished the half stronger with Aubameyang again testing the goalkeeper.

The second half started with chances coming thick and fast as Arsenal searched for a goal. Nicolas Pepe flashed a shot just wide while Emile Smith-Rowe chipped wide.

Aubameyang again hit the base of the post with a header eleven minutes from time but Villarreal held on for the draw that saw them through the tie and into a maiden Europa League final.

In the other semi final, Manchester United lost 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico to Roma.

Cavani opened the floodgates with a well hit shot but Roma scored twice in three second half minutes through Edin Dzeko and Bryan Cristante for the lead before Cavani restored parity. Nicola Zalewski scored the fruitless winner on 83 minutes.

Manchester United qualify for their eighth European final and second in the Europa League.

They will meet first-timers Villarreal in the final set to take place at Stadion Miejski in Gdansk, Poland, on 26 May 26.