The return of the Europa League

The return of the Europa League

Tom Devlin 7 years ago 2.8k |

Reading time: minutes

It's the turn of the Europa League. EFE

With the Champions League hangover kicking in, especially after Roma's stunning comeback and the controversy surrounding the end of the Real Madrid - Juve game, it is clear that nothing can be taking for granted in football. With this in mind it is time to look towards the Europa League where some interesting matches lie in wait.

Playoffs. Quarter-finals

It's not over until the fat lady sings. In football anything is possible and you have to play for the full 90 minutes. The recent events in the Champions League has left this fresh in the mind. Roma did the unthinkable and Pep Guardiola's all-conquering City side are now left competing for only one trophy this season.

Coming into the business end of the season, the Europa League has now caught up with the Champions League. It too is at the end of its quarter-final stage.

Arsenal, wary of Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde's uneaten Barcelona side travelled to Roma unbeaten in the league and carry a 4-1 lead from the first leg. They already had one foot in the next stage of the Champions League. They were beaten 3-0 in the Eternal City and crashed out of the tournament.

Roma had insisted they were unlucky in the first leg, and that they always believed they could turn things round. However, no one really believed them.

Arsenal will travel to Moscow trying to protect the exact same lead against CSKA. They will be all the more guarded against complacency now that they have seen what can happen.

The Russian capital is a notoriously difficult place to go to, with its vicious winter climate and the long travel time from western Europe, and Arsenal will be hoping to return with the job done.

It will be a similar story for Lazio against Salzburg, although the Austrians do go into the game one goal better off and will only need to score twice after losing 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico. Lulic, Parolo, Felipe Anderson and the unstoppable Ciro Immobile put Lazio in a position that two days ago would have been considered strong. Now, nobody knows.

Aletico, Spain's last hope

Bruno Fernandes, Sporting Lisbon's manager, has told his squad to follow the example set by Roma in coming back from a first leg defeat. "We have the example of what happened to Barcelona," he said, voicing what everyone is thinking.

Simeone has rested players such as Gimenez for this vital clash at Jose Alvalade and will be relieved that others such as Griezmann and Costa come into the game in full health.

Atletico do have history on their side, they have never let a two goal lead slip in this competition.

Leipzig and Marseille go into their second leg with all to play for. The Germans won 1-0 thanks to Timo Werner, who is now a doubt for Thursday's game. Payet, Ocampos, Thauvin and co. will be looking for the goal that will level the tie.