Europa League: Valencia beat Villarreal, Arsenal win

Arsenal closed in on the Europa League semifinals with a 2-0 home win over Italy’s Napoli on Thursday while Chelsea scored late to earn a 1-0 victory at Slavia Prague.

Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac, top, raises his hands, along with Arsenal's manager Unai Emery, right, after tackling Napoli's Elseid Hysaj during the Europa League first leg quarterfinal soccer match between Arsenal and Napoli at Emirates stadium in London, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Everton on Sunday, Arsenal produced an attacking display that Napoli was not able to stop. 

Aaron Ramsey struck early and Kalidou Koulibaly added an own goal to put the home side in command at the Emirates Stadium.

In Spain derby, Valencia secured a 3-1 away win at Villarreal after scoring a couple goals in injury time.

Also, Joao Felix’s hat trick guided Benfica to a 4-2 win over 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt, handing the Bundesliga side its first defeat in the Europa League this season.

For Arsenal and Chelsea, winning the Europa League would secure a route back into the Champions League if they fail to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

The two are currently locked in a tight battle with Tottenham and Manchester United for the last two qualifying spots behind Liverpool and Manchester City.

Napoli is second in Serie A and has no such worries but Valencia, currently sixth in the Spanish league faces the same scenario.

VAM News confirmed that the second legs will be played on April 18.