Valencia coach Marcelino says Los Che’s Europa League semi-final clash against Arsenal next month is a beautiful tie on a big stage.
The Spanish outfit booked their safe passage to the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 5-1 win on aggregate over rivals Villarreal on Thursday.
Marcelino’s men started the game with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg away from home and cruised to another win courtesy of goals from Toni Lato and Daniel Parejo at the Mestalla.
Valencia will now lock horns with Premier League bigwigs Arsenal, who convincingly beat Napoli without conceding a goal over two legs, in the semi-finals next month.
And in the wake of their progression to the next round that has set up a tie against one of the tournament’s favourites, Marcelino has referred to the meeting with the Gunners as a beautiful tie on the big stage.
The Spaniard also admitted they knew Arsenal would likely qualify for the semi-finals due to their healthy 2-0 advantage over Napoli after the first leg at the Emirates last week.
"With the result they were carrying [from the first leg against Napoli], it was quite possible that they would progress to the semi-finals”, Marcelino said in a press conference after the win over Villarreal.
“They have great players, with a lot of experience.
“[It is] a beautiful tie on a big stage.
"It will be very beautiful when the time comes.”
Valencia will play the first leg of the semi-final away from home at the Emirates on 2nd May.
