Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's superb performances over two legs of the side's Europa League semi-final against AS Roma are exactly why they want to keep the Uruguayan at Old Trafford, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

The 34-year-old scored two goals and provided two assists in United's 6-2 victory in the first leg at Old Trafford and struck twice again in Thursday's 3-2 defeat in the return fixture as the English side reached the final with an 8-5 aggregate win.

In the title clash of Europe's second-tier club competition, United will meet Spanish side Villarreal in Gdansk on May 26.

"The reason we're here is that we've got a center-forward who has scored four goals in the tie," Solskjaer said of Cavani in his post-match news conference. "Edinson has shown again why we want to keep him at Old Trafford."

Cavani arrived at United on a one-year contract in October with an option of another 12 months but remains undecided about his future after a difficult season, which included a social media faux pas that resulted in a three-game ban.

He has scored 14 goals from 34 matches in all competitions while leading the line brilliantly and finding the net in key moments.

"Football&nbsp;has its own language. Edinson has proven tonight, in previous games, throughout his career, what a center-forward should be doing both on and off the ball, both preparing for games and recovering from games," Solskjaer said.

"He's an absolute top professional and everyone in my team can learn from him."

Solskjaer's side, who are second in the Premier League, next face Aston Villa on Sunday before matches against Leicester City on Tuesday and bitter rivals Liverpool in a rearranged fixture on Thursday.

The Norwegian said the fixture list had been made by "people who have never played&nbsp;football&nbsp;at this level."

"It's physically impossible for the players," he said. "We're going to need everyone for these games. It's a short turnaround but we have to be ready."

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's superb performances over two legs of the side's Europa League semi-final against AS Roma are exactly why they want to keep the Uruguayan at Old Trafford, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's superb performances over two legs of the side's Europa League semi-final against AS Roma are exactly why they want to keep the Uruguayan at Old Trafford, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. The 34-year-old scored two goals and provided two assists in United's 6-2 victory in the first leg at Old Trafford and struck twice again in Thursday's 3-2 defeat in the return fixture as the English side reached the final with an 8-5 aggregate win. In the title clash of Europe's second-tier club competition, United will meet Spanish side Villarreal in Gdansk on May 26. "The reason we're here is that we've got a center-forward who has scored four goals in the tie," Solskjaer said of Cavani in his post-match news conference. "Edinson has shown again why we want to keep him at Old Trafford." Cavani arrived at United on a one-year contract in October with an option of another 12 months but remains undecided about his future after a difficult season, which included a social media faux pas that resulted in a three-game ban. He has scored 14 goals from 34 matches in all competitions while leading the line brilliantly and finding the net in key moments. "Football has its own language. Edinson has proven tonight, in previous games, throughout his career, what a center-forward should be doing both on and off the ball, both preparing for games and recovering from games," Solskjaer said. "He's an absolute top professional and everyone in my team can learn from him." Solskjaer's side, who are second in the Premier League, next face Aston Villa on Sunday before matches against Leicester City on Tuesday and bitter rivals Liverpool in a rearranged fixture on Thursday. The Norwegian said the fixture list had been made by "people who have never played football at this level." "It's physically impossible for the players," he said. "We're going to need everyone for these games. It's a short turnaround but we have to be ready."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaps praise on Edinson Cavani, hopes Uruguayan will stay

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said he hoped manager Mikel Arteta would keep his job after the team crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday following a goalless draw with Villarreal.

The defeat meant Arsenal exited Europe's second-tier club competition with a 2-1 aggregate defeat. The club is ninth in England's Premier League table and could miss out on European&nbsp;football&nbsp;for the first time in 25 years.

Asked whether Arteta retained the backing of the club's supporters, Ljungberg told BT Sport: "There are no fans here so that's difficult to know. I hope he does.

"I'm not going to stand here and say managers should stay or go. Listen, he's a young manager and I hope he will stay. But of course, it's not good enough for Arsenal and it's up to the owners and other people within the club."

Freddie Ljungberg, who took over as interim coach in 2019 after the current Villarreal manager Unai Emery was sacked and briefly assisted Arteta, said he did not understand how the club had crashed out of the competition.

"I'm a bit in shock... I thought Arsenal would definitely go through," Ljungberg added.

Arteta said he was still the right man to lift the spirits of his players.

"I wouldn't be sitting here if I couldn't. You'll see it. It's not about talking, it's about showing it on the pitch," Mikel Arteta said. "I feel the pressure all the time because I want to do as good as I can for the team, the support that I have, and for the fans... I think everybody's job is under scrutiny."

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said he hoped manager Mikel Arteta would keep his job after the team crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday following a goalless draw with Villarreal.

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said he hoped manager Mikel Arteta would keep his job after the team crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday following a goalless draw with Villarreal. The defeat meant Arsenal exited Europe's second-tier club competition with a 2-1 aggregate defeat. The club is ninth in England's Premier League table and could miss out on European football for the first time in 25 years. Asked whether Arteta retained the backing of the club's supporters, Ljungberg told BT Sport: "There are no fans here so that's difficult to know. I hope he does. "I'm not going to stand here and say managers should stay or go. Listen, he's a young manager and I hope he will stay. But of course, it's not good enough for Arsenal and it's up to the owners and other people within the club." Freddie Ljungberg, who took over as interim coach in 2019 after the current Villarreal manager Unai Emery was sacked and briefly assisted Arteta, said he did not understand how the club had crashed out of the competition. "I'm a bit in shock... I thought Arsenal would definitely go through," Ljungberg added. Arteta said he was still the right man to lift the spirits of his players. "I wouldn't be sitting here if I couldn't. You'll see it. It's not about talking, it's about showing it on the pitch," Mikel Arteta said. "I feel the pressure all the time because I want to do as good as I can for the team, the support that I have, and for the fans... I think everybody's job is under scrutiny."

Freddie Ljungberg says he hopes Mikel Arteta can keep Arsenal job after Europa exit

The Europa League final in Gdansk on May 26 will be allowed to host up to 9,500 spectators after Europe's soccer governing body UEFA said it had received approval from the Polish authorities.

The final will be held at Stadion Energa in Gdansk at a stadium capacity of 25 percent, with both finalists receiving 2,000 tickets each and 2,000 tickets to be offered to the general public.

The remaining tickets will be allocated to the local organizing committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters.

"The Polish authorities have confirmed a stadium capacity of 25% for the final, amounting to 9,500 spectators," UEFA said in a statement on Monday

Spectators may be required to show proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 result, UEFA said.

"Supporters traveling from outside of Poland will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force at the time of the final. No exemptions will be granted to ticket holders," UEFA added.

Manchester United will play away to AS Roma on Thursday in the second leg of the semi-final, having won 6-2 in the first leg. Villarreal will travel to London to face Arsenal in the second leg after they defeated the English side 2-1 at home.

The Europa League final in Gdansk on May 26 will be allowed to host up to 9,500 spectators after Europe's soccer governing body UEFA said it had received approval from the Polish authorities.

The Europa League final in Gdansk on May 26 will be allowed to host up to 9,500 spectators after Europe's soccer governing body UEFA said it had received approval from the Polish authorities. The final will be held at Stadion Energa in Gdansk at a stadium capacity of 25 percent, with both finalists receiving 2,000 tickets each and 2,000 tickets to be offered to the general public. The remaining tickets will be allocated to the local organizing committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters. "The Polish authorities have confirmed a stadium capacity of 25% for the final, amounting to 9,500 spectators," UEFA said in a statement on Monday Spectators may be required to show proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 result, UEFA said. "Supporters traveling from outside of Poland will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force at the time of the final. No exemptions will be granted to ticket holders," UEFA added. Manchester United will play away to AS Roma on Thursday in the second leg of the semi-final, having won 6-2 in the first leg. Villarreal will travel to London to face Arsenal in the second leg after they defeated the English side 2-1 at home.

UEFA Europa League final in Gdansk to host up to 9,500 spectators

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he would do everything in his power to try and convince striker Edinson Cavani to stay at the club for another season.

The Uruguay international scored twice, assisted two more, and earned a penalty to help United fight back from 2-1 down to defeat AS Roma 6-2 in their Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Cavani arrived at United on a one-year contract in October with an option of another 12 months but remains undecided about whether to remain at Old Trafford after a difficult season which included a social media faux pas that resulted in a three-game ban.

"I'm delighted with him," Solskjaer said. "You can see the difference in him when he's worked on his fitness. He's making up for a lost time, it looks like.

"He's more than just a goal poacher and good goalscorer. He's played for so long that he has that calmness and composure about him. He's showing his experience. We want the experienced players to step up and he definitely has done.

"He knows I'd love to have him for another year."

Solskjaer hopes the prospect of playing in front of supporters at Old Trafford can convince the 34-year-old to remain in Manchester.

"I've promised him Old Trafford and Manchester is a different place with fans in it," Solskjaer said. "I'm doing my best. Hopefully, nights like this help him see himself here for another year."

"We've got the best fans. He's a goalscorer and there's nothing better than celebrating in front of them."

United, who are second in the Premier League standings with 67 points from 33 games, host Liverpool on Sunday.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he would do everything in his power to try and convince striker Edinson Cavani to stay at the club for another season.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he would do everything in his power to try and convince striker Edinson Cavani to stay at the club for another season. The Uruguay international scored twice, assisted two more, and earned a penalty to help United fight back from 2-1 down to defeat AS Roma 6-2 in their Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Thursday. Cavani arrived at United on a one-year contract in October with an option of another 12 months but remains undecided about whether to remain at Old Trafford after a difficult season which included a social media faux pas that resulted in a three-game ban. "I'm delighted with him," Solskjaer said. "You can see the difference in him when he's worked on his fitness. He's making up for a lost time, it looks like. "He's more than just a goal poacher and good goalscorer. He's played for so long that he has that calmness and composure about him. He's showing his experience. We want the experienced players to step up and he definitely has done. "He knows I'd love to have him for another year." Solskjaer hopes the prospect of playing in front of supporters at Old Trafford can convince the 34-year-old to remain in Manchester. "I've promised him Old Trafford and Manchester is a different place with fans in it," Solskjaer said. "I'm doing my best. Hopefully, nights like this help him see himself here for another year." "We've got the best fans. He's a goalscorer and there's nothing better than celebrating in front of them." United, who are second in the Premier League standings with 67 points from 33 games, host Liverpool on Sunday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to convince Edinson Cavani to extend his stay in Manchester United

Barcelona will play a pre-season friendly with Arsenal at their Nou Camp stadium on August&nbsp;4, the La Liga champions said.

The match against the Europa League runners-up is the annual Joan Gamper trophy which is traditionally Barca's final game before the new season but this year the fixture is sandwiched between two overseas tours, to Japan and the United States.

Barca will play Europa League winners Chelsea on July 23 in Tokyo before meeting former captain Andres Iniesta's side Vissel Kobe on July 27.

Ernesto Valverde's side are then due to return to Barcelona and after playing against Arsenal they will fly to the States for two matches against Napoli in the inaugural La Liga-Serie A Cup, in Miami on August&nbsp;7 and in Michigan on August 10.&nbsp;

Barcelona and Arsenal last met in a Champions League last-16 tie in 2016 which the Catalans won 5-1 on aggregate.&nbsp;

Barcelona will play a pre-season friendly with Arsenal at their Nou Camp stadium on August 4, the La Liga champions said. The match against the Europa League runners-up is the annual Joan Gamper trophy which is traditionally Barca's final game before the new season but this year the fixture is sandwiched between two overseas tours, to Japan and the United States.

Barcelona will play a pre-season friendly with Arsenal at their Nou Camp stadium on August 4, the La Liga champions said. The match against the Europa League runners-up is the annual Joan Gamper trophy which is traditionally Barca's final game before the new season but this year the fixture is sandwiched between two overseas tours, to Japan and the United States. Barca will play Europa League winners Chelsea on July 23 in Tokyo before meeting former captain Andres Iniesta's side Vissel Kobe on July 27. Ernesto Valverde's side are then due to return to Barcelona and after playing against Arsenal they will fly to the States for two matches against Napoli in the inaugural La Liga-Serie A Cup, in Miami on August 7 and in Michigan on August 10. Barcelona and Arsenal last met in a Champions League last-16 tie in 2016 which the Catalans won 5-1 on aggregate.

Barcelona to play Arsenal in friendly at Nou Camp

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, whose future at Stamford Bridge is in question, stomped away from a training session before Wednesday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-and-chelsea-ready-for-final-europa-league-battle-in-distant-baku-222488">Europa League final</a>, visibly angry as he threw his hat to the ground and kicked it.

Video of the incident which took place late on Tuesday showed Sarri exchanging words with defender David Luiz after a robust challenge involving the Brazilian and Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Sarri, who immediately before the training session had told reporters that he loved his players, was then seen leaving the field along with other staff and team members, tossing his cap to the ground and kicking it in the air.

A Chelsea spokesman said Sarri was frustrated at the media's presence at the end of the session at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/europa-league-how-arsenal-learnt-from-last-seasons-mistake-aubameyang-elaborates-217434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwilw-v-wMDiAhUHvI8KHQADBu0QFjABegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kMmpZSC8N2fq5jFajANjD">Baku's </a>Olympic Stadium, where the team is due to take on London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.

"Maurizio's frustration displayed at the end of the training was not related to any of his players, but was due to not being able to practise set-plays in the final 15 minutes of the hour-long training session as it remained open to media," the spokesman said.

Watch the video:

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Maurizio Sarri got angry during training in Baku when his team was not allowed to practice set-pieces in the final 15 minutes of an hour long session.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/gWei4HeYfV">pic.twitter.com/gWei4HeYfV</a>
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Sarri, who has had an up-and-down first season in London, has displayed flashes of anger on previous occasions while in charge of Chelsea, including in the League Cup final in February when goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga seemed to refuse to be substituted.

Sarri was sent to the stands by a referee in April after becoming embroiled in a scuffle among players of Chelsea and Burnley in a Premier League match.

Asked on Tuesday about media reports that he is close to a return to a coaching job in his native Italy, Sarri said he loved his players and that would be part of his decision about his future.

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, whose future at Stamford Bridge is in question, stomped away from a training session before Wednesday's Europa League final, visibly angry as he threw his hat to the ground and kicked it.

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, whose future at Stamford Bridge is in question, stomped away from a training session before Wednesday's Europa League final, visibly angry as he threw his hat to the ground and kicked it. Video of the incident which took place late on Tuesday showed Sarri exchanging words with defender David Luiz after a robust challenge involving the Brazilian and Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. Sarri, who immediately before the training session had told reporters that he loved his players, was then seen leaving the field along with other staff and team members, tossing his cap to the ground and kicking it in the air. A Chelsea spokesman said Sarri was frustrated at the media's presence at the end of the session at Baku's Olympic Stadium, where the team is due to take on London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday. "Maurizio's frustration displayed at the end of the training was not related to any of his players, but was due to not being able to practise set-plays in the final 15 minutes of the hour-long training session as it remained open to media," the spokesman said. Watch the video: Maurizio Sarri got angry during training in Baku when his team was not allowed to practice set-pieces in the final 15 minutes of an hour long session.#CFC #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/gWei4HeYfV — ReeceJP (@Reece_JP) May 29, 2019 × Sarri, who has had an up-and-down first season in London, has displayed flashes of anger on previous occasions while in charge of Chelsea, including in the League Cup final in February when goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga seemed to refuse to be substituted. Sarri was sent to the stands by a referee in April after becoming embroiled in a scuffle among players of Chelsea and Burnley in a Premier League match. Asked on Tuesday about media reports that he is close to a return to a coaching job in his native Italy, Sarri said he loved his players and that would be part of his decision about his future.

Watch: Angry Sarri leaves training session on eve of Europa League final

&nbsp;A hat-trick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-magnificent-lacazette-free-kick-sends-arsenal-into-semis-211651">Alexandre Lacazette strike</a> booked Arsenal's place in the Europa League final with a 4-2 win at Valencia on Thursday to seal an emphatic 7-3 aggregate victory.

Unai Emery's side will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kepa-arrizabalagas-heroics-in-shootout-against-eintracht-frankfurt-puts-chelsea-in-europa-cup-final-217359">face&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;in Baku on May 29</a> after their London rivals beat Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties to ensure both European club competitions will feature all-English finals.

Arsenal's first win on Spanish soil since beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006 kept their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League through Europe's secondary competition alive.

"We reacted well to going behind and we knew we had to score a minimum of one goal tonight," Lacazette told BT Sport.

"Auba (Aubameyang) was unbelievable tonight with an incredible hat-trick, so thanks to him.

"We have played badly in the Premier League during the last month and now we have to use this opportunity. We want to play in the Champions League next season and we want the trophy."

In a week of improbable European comebacks, Valencia, trailing 3-1 from the first leg, were seeking to become the latest side to overturn a hefty deficit and made the perfect start as Kevin Gameiro slid in to convert Rodrigo's centre with 11 minutes played.

Rodrigo sent an effort wide as the home crowd sensed an upset, but Arsenal were soon level when Aubameyang notched his first out of nothing, producing a fine finish from outside the box from Lacazette's flick on following goalkeeper Petr Cech's long clearance.

Valencia continued to push forward, with Dani Parejo sending a free kick narrowly wide before Jose Luis Gaya was booked for diving on the cusp of halftime as they desperately sought a second.

Marcelino's side were caught napping by Lacazette's curling effort just after the break to put the visitors ahead on the night.

Gameiro converted Rodrigo's mishit shot just before the hour to set up a possible grandstand finish, but Aubameyang soon restored Arsenal's lead before completing his treble two minutes from time to book their first European final since they lost the 2006 Champions League final to Barcelona.

Tempers flared as players from both sides clashed on the final whistle, but it was Emery's side celebrating as they booked their final place.

Liverpool will play Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1.

A hat-trick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an Alexandre Lacazette strike booked Arsenal's place in the Europa League final with a 4-2 win at Valencia on Thursday to seal an emphatic 7-3 aggregate victory.

A hat-trick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an Alexandre Lacazette strike booked Arsenal's place in the Europa League final with a 4-2 win at Valencia on Thursday to seal an emphatic 7-3 aggregate victory. Unai Emery's side will face Chelsea in Baku on May 29 after their London rivals beat Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties to ensure both European club competitions will feature all-English finals. Arsenal's first win on Spanish soil since beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006 kept their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League through Europe's secondary competition alive. "We reacted well to going behind and we knew we had to score a minimum of one goal tonight," Lacazette told BT Sport. "Auba (Aubameyang) was unbelievable tonight with an incredible hat-trick, so thanks to him. "We have played badly in the Premier League during the last month and now we have to use this opportunity. We want to play in the Champions League next season and we want the trophy." In a week of improbable European comebacks, Valencia, trailing 3-1 from the first leg, were seeking to become the latest side to overturn a hefty deficit and made the perfect start as Kevin Gameiro slid in to convert Rodrigo's centre with 11 minutes played. Rodrigo sent an effort wide as the home crowd sensed an upset, but Arsenal were soon level when Aubameyang notched his first out of nothing, producing a fine finish from outside the box from Lacazette's flick on following goalkeeper Petr Cech's long clearance. Valencia continued to push forward, with Dani Parejo sending a free kick narrowly wide before Jose Luis Gaya was booked for diving on the cusp of halftime as they desperately sought a second. Marcelino's side were caught napping by Lacazette's curling effort just after the break to put the visitors ahead on the night. Gameiro converted Rodrigo's mishit shot just before the hour to set up a possible grandstand finish, but Aubameyang soon restored Arsenal's lead before completing his treble two minutes from time to book their first European final since they lost the 2006 Champions League final to Barcelona. Tempers flared as players from both sides clashed on the final whistle, but it was Emery's side celebrating as they booked their final place. Liverpool will play Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1.

An all-English affair at Europa: Arsenal, Chelsea book final berth

Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea's hero as the Spanish goalkeeper sent his side to the Europa League final with two penalty saves in a dramatic 4-3 shoot-out win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Maurizio Sarri's side will face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-all-english-affair-at-europa-arsenal-chelsea-book-final-berth-217357">London rivals Arsenal in an all-Premier League final</a> in Baku on May 29 as for the first time all four finalists in the Champions and Europa League come from England.

Chelsea took the lead in the semi-final second leg thanks to Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first half strike at Stamford Bridge.

But Luka Jovic equalised soon after the interval as a tense clash finished 1-1 after extra time and 2-2 on aggregate.

Cesar Azpilicueta's penalty was saved by Kevin Trapp in the shoot-out, but Kepa kept out Martin Hinteregger's effort and then turned away Goncalo Paciencia before Eden Hazard slotted home the decisive kick to spark wild celebrations.

It was a sweet moment of redemption for Kepa after he was widely criticised for his astonishing mutiny in the League Cup final against Manchester City when he refused to be substituted before the Blues lost on penalties.

Hazard also relished his crucial contribution in what could be his last kick at the Bridge amid rumours of a close-season move to Real Madrid.

"I am only thinking to win something for this club," said Hazard when asked if the final will be his last game for the club.

"If it is my last game I will try to do everything. In my mind I don't know yet."

Having already qualified for next season's Champions League when they guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League last weekend, Chelsea can bring an uplifting end to Sarri's troubled first season in charge by lifting the Europa League.

Former Napoli boss Sarri this week claimed Chelsea "deserve" to win a trophy this season and the Italian is now one victory away from the first major prize of his managerial career.

However, Sarri is not happy that Chelsea will play a friendly in the United States against New England Revolution next week.

The match is designed to raise awareness and money for antisemitism and anti-discrimination causes.

"Now we need to rest. Unfortunately we have to go play in the United States because I think in this moment we need to rest then we have 10 days to prepare the final," said Sarri.

"We have to recover energy because we are very tired."

- Frankfurt flummoxed - 
Inevitably, Hazard was the catalyst for Chelsea's 28th minute opener as he twisted and turned to find just enough space for a perfectly-weighted pass to Loftus-Cheek.

Hazard's vision and execution completely flummoxed the Frankfurt defence, leaving Loftus-Cheek with plenty of time to guide a cool low finish into the far corner for his 10th goal of the season.

But Chelsea couldn't turn their first half superiority into further goals and a fatal loss of concentration allowed Frankfurt to equalise in the 49th minute.

Jovic had scored Frankfurt's goal in the first leg and the 21-year-old Serb showed why he is being linked to Real Madrid with another predatory finish.

Chesting the ball down to Mijat Gacinovic, Jovic easily eluded the dozing Luiz as he ran onto the return pass and calmly steered in his 10th Europa League goal this season.

Still lacking any rhythm in extra-time, Chelsea needed an agile goalline clearance from Luiz to stop Sebastien Haller's shot before the Frankfurt forward was denied again by Davide Zappacosta's header off the line.

Azpilicueta thought he'd won it for Chelsea in the closing minutes when he bundled home after Trapp dropped Hazard's cross, but the goal was controversially disallowed for the Spaniard's challenge on the keeper, setting the stage for Kepa and Hazard to see the Blues through to Baku.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea's hero as the Spanish goalkeeper sent his side to the Europa League final with two penalty saves in a dramatic 4-3 shoot-out win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea's hero as the Spanish goalkeeper sent his side to the Europa League final with two penalty saves in a dramatic 4-3 shoot-out win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday. Maurizio Sarri's side will face London rivals Arsenal in an all-Premier League final in Baku on May 29 as for the first time all four finalists in the Champions and Europa League come from England. Chelsea took the lead in the semi-final second leg thanks to Ruben Loftus-Cheek's first half strike at Stamford Bridge. But Luka Jovic equalised soon after the interval as a tense clash finished 1-1 after extra time and 2-2 on aggregate. Cesar Azpilicueta's penalty was saved by Kevin Trapp in the shoot-out, but Kepa kept out Martin Hinteregger's effort and then turned away Goncalo Paciencia before Eden Hazard slotted home the decisive kick to spark wild celebrations. It was a sweet moment of redemption for Kepa after he was widely criticised for his astonishing mutiny in the League Cup final against Manchester City when he refused to be substituted before the Blues lost on penalties. Hazard also relished his crucial contribution in what could be his last kick at the Bridge amid rumours of a close-season move to Real Madrid. "I am only thinking to win something for this club," said Hazard when asked if the final will be his last game for the club. "If it is my last game I will try to do everything. In my mind I don't know yet." Having already qualified for next season's Champions League when they guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League last weekend, Chelsea can bring an uplifting end to Sarri's troubled first season in charge by lifting the Europa League. Former Napoli boss Sarri this week claimed Chelsea "deserve" to win a trophy this season and the Italian is now one victory away from the first major prize of his managerial career. However, Sarri is not happy that Chelsea will play a friendly in the United States against New England Revolution next week. The match is designed to raise awareness and money for antisemitism and anti-discrimination causes. "Now we need to rest. Unfortunately we have to go play in the United States because I think in this moment we need to rest then we have 10 days to prepare the final," said Sarri. "We have to recover energy because we are very tired." - Frankfurt flummoxed - Inevitably, Hazard was the catalyst for Chelsea's 28th minute opener as he twisted and turned to find just enough space for a perfectly-weighted pass to Loftus-Cheek. Hazard's vision and execution completely flummoxed the Frankfurt defence, leaving Loftus-Cheek with plenty of time to guide a cool low finish into the far corner for his 10th goal of the season. But Chelsea couldn't turn their first half superiority into further goals and a fatal loss of concentration allowed Frankfurt to equalise in the 49th minute. Jovic had scored Frankfurt's goal in the first leg and the 21-year-old Serb showed why he is being linked to Real Madrid with another predatory finish. Chesting the ball down to Mijat Gacinovic, Jovic easily eluded the dozing Luiz as he ran onto the return pass and calmly steered in his 10th Europa League goal this season. Still lacking any rhythm in extra-time, Chelsea needed an agile goalline clearance from Luiz to stop Sebastien Haller's shot before the Frankfurt forward was denied again by Davide Zappacosta's header off the line. Azpilicueta thought he'd won it for Chelsea in the closing minutes when he bundled home after Trapp dropped Hazard's cross, but the goal was controversially disallowed for the Spaniard's challenge on the keeper, setting the stage for Kepa and Hazard to see the Blues through to Baku.

Kepa Arrizabalaga's heroics in shootout against  Eintracht Frankfurt puts Chelsea in Europa Cup final

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