Former Arsenal defender Lauren has conceded that Atletico Madrid are the clear favourites to beat his former side in the Europa League semi-final, but he is not ready to completely rule out the Gunners’ chances.

Arsenal need to win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League as they are unlikely to finish in the Premier League top four at the end of the season.




However, the Gunners are facing the daunting prospect of taking on Atletico Madrid, one of the odds on favourites to win the competition, in the semi-finals to reach the last stage.

Playing the second leg in Spain, Arsenal need a big result at home tonight to have any chance of seeing off the Spanish giants, but Lauren admits Atletico Madrid will start as favourites.
 


But the former defender feels Arsenal have shown glimpses of brilliance in Europe this season and if they turn up, they have the ability to beat the Spaniards.  

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Lauren told Spanish daily AS when asked whether Atletico Madrid are the clear favourites: “After knowing the competition and studying the matches, I think so.

“But if we see the Arsenal that played against Milan in Italy and against CSKA at home, they can beat Atletico.”

Bolton Wanderers were the last English side to beat Atletico Madrid in Europe over two legs in 2008 in the erstwhile UEFA Cup.