The draw for the semi-finals of the Europa League took place earlier this morning.
Arsenal were joined in the draw by Atletico Madrid, Marseille and Red Bull Salzburg. Arsene Wenger’s side clearly have the tougher tie as when the balls were drawn we were paired with the Spanish opposition.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 13, 2018
For some fans this is an advantage as we get two bites at the cherry, for others well known defensive issues have them nervous.
The first leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday April 26, with the second leg taking place a week later at the Wanda Metropolitano (May 3).
Both games have an 8.05pm kick off time.
Some fans responded with brazen confidence to the news.
Don’t think like that to be the best you gotta beat the best
— . (@DisGameILoveIt) April 13, 2018
Good, this is what I wanted. Rather have them over 2 legs than play the in 1 match in the final.
— Twelfth Man TV (@TwelfthManTV) April 13, 2018
The difference is they dont have the best player in the world… pic.twitter.com/BR6gX76agI
— Louis (@Louismh_afc) April 13, 2018
Atletico Madrid's journey will soon come to an end.
— Ema Ralte (@Ema_Ralte) April 13, 2018
Now prove your a good team and beat Atletico.
— Zohaieb Khan (@ZohaiebK) April 13, 2018
Nah we'll do it over 2 legs
— Samritpal Singh (@SSgooner) April 13, 2018
Pleased about this actually. Confident we can do it. Unlike most of the so called "fans" on here I'll support my team and it's manager.
— Tom (@thommy2eyes) April 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/JackHS32/status/984736518001627136
A number of fans gave a response that I simply cannot repeat here.
Plenty though felt that there could only be one possible outcome to the draw and it wasn’t a favourable one.
Well it was a fun ride
— RJ 🦋 (@rj_afc) April 13, 2018
Well it was nice while it lasted lol but who knows😊
— David Edwards 🇬🇧 (@NorthBank65) April 13, 2018
— HM (@Arsenal_DB10) April 13, 2018
been a good run fellas
— hugo (@PepeProdigy) April 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/km2k01/status/984736563161649153
It was a good run, time to say goodbye.
— Aaron (@elnnenym) April 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/Xhaktics/status/984736182012645376
Those of a more optimistic nature will be hoping Wenger and the side he picks go into the ties with less of a defeatist attitude than some of the fans, but as has been abundantly clear so far this season our chances of success ultimately come down to what the team decide to do on the day.
Do we get the CSKA first half side, or the second half effort?