MATCH REPORT | Second leg turnaround needed after Valencia CF lose 3-1 at the Emirates

An opening away goal from Valencia CF in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal means that the team can go through to the UEFA Europa League final next Thursday with a 2-0 win. Matters were complicated by a late goal by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang at the Emirates, but VCF still have hope of reaching the next stage of the competition with a strong showing at home.

Geoffrey Kondogbia, Denis Cheryshev and Francis Coquelin were absent for VCF in the first leg, due to injuries and suspension, respectively, and Marcelino fielded a more defensive starting XI for the contest.

Valencia CF struck first, after an early warning from a Rodrigo attack. In the 7th minute, a free kick by Dani Parejo was met by Rodrigo, with Ezequiel Garay shooting over. Shortly after, Mouctar Diakhaby headed in a perfect pass from the striker, silencing the stadium in London.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech was tested by a Dani Parejo shot from outside the box on 14 minutes, from which Gonçalo Guedes almost put in the rebound. The home side were suffering as a motivated Valencia CF looked to extend their advantage.

However, it was the Gunners who scored the next goal. Lacazette found the net off a counterattack, and 7 minutes later he headed towards the net, in an effort which was parried by Neto but hit the post and crossed the line.

That crazy spell meant that Valencia CF needed to focus, and they reached halftime with the score at 2-1, despite having taken an early lead.

After the break, a solo move from Rodrigo was cut out by Mustafi when he attempted to cross to Guedes at the back post, whilst there was also a chance for Arsenal's Koscielny that Guedes would impede shortly after. Lacazette missed a close range header on the hour mark when he was thwarted by both Neto and Roncaglia.

Marcelino made two changes on 71 minutes, bringing on Kevin Gameiro and Daniel Wass for Guedes and Carlos Soler, respectively. It was Gameiro who had a good chance for VCF with one of his looks at the ball, throwing himself towards it whilst Cech dived at his feet.

Valencia CF looked for the second goal, but it was Arsenal who struck -against the run of play. In the 90th minute, Aubameyang was the scorer, and he made next week's game at Mestalla a difficult task. However, the away goal means that it will be a tense second leg with possibilities of reaching the final, even with a 3-1 aggregate deficit.

Match Stats
Arsenal 3 vs. 1 Valencia CF
UEFA Europa League
Semifinal first leg
Emirates Stadium, London

Arsenal FC: Cech, Sokratis, Koscielny (Monreal, m. 82), Mustafi, Xhaka, Guendouzi (Torreira, m. 58), Maitland-Niles, Kolasinac, Özil (Mkhitaryan, m. 75), Aubameyang and Lacazette.

Valencia CF: Neto, Roncaglia, Garay, G. Paulista, Diakhaby, Gayà, Parejo, Carlos Soler (Wass, m. 71), Piccini, Guedes (Gameiro, m. 71) and Rodrigo M. (Santi Mina, m. 88)

Goals: 0-1. M. 11: Diakhaby. 1-1. M. 18: Lacazette. 2-1. M. 25: Lacazette. 3-1. M. 90: Aubameyang.

Referee: Clément Turpin (France). Yellow cards for Diakhaby ad Parejo.