This season’s Europa League offers Arsene Wenger his last chance to win a European trophy as an Arsenal manager and also the last chance to win a trophy for the Gunners as he steps down from his role at the end of the season, yet the Gunners made the job of getting to the final more difficult for themselves last Thursday.
Atletico Madrid had been reduced to ten men in the first half and Alexandre Lacazette gave the Gunners the lead on the 61st minute, yet some shambolic defending meant the Gunners conceded an equalizer with just 8 minutes remaining. They would now need to win or at least get a high scoring draw in Madrid to progress, something their away form does not show could happen.
Atletico defeated Alaves 1-0 after the draw at the Emirates to make it two wins, three draws and two losses from their last seven competitive games. They have also made their home a fortress as they have not tasted defeat at the Wanda Metropolitana since their loss to Sevilla in January. They also impressively come into this match having not conceded a goal at home in 11 games, it is almost impossible to see the Gunners breaking that record.
Arsenal have six losses from their last nine away games, and they have not won any league game away from home this year, their fans won’t be overly optimistic, but they have a good away record in Europe this season.
