Manchester United and Arsenal reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League last night, as Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers crashed out of the competition.
It means that there will be at least two British teams in the last eight for the third year in a row.
AC Milan 0-1 Manchester United:
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side praised the “important” Paul Pogba as his goal proved to be the difference at the San Siro.
The Reds went into their last 16 encounter behind on away goals after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in the away fixture.
Pogba, who replaced Marcus Rashford at half time, made an instant impact – netting just three minutes after coming on.
United are now into their third consecutive European quarterfinal and will be looking to win continental silverware for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
Solskjaer said: “There are many good teams left but you’ve got to be spot on. It’s a cup competition and anything can happen. But we are through and we feel confident.”
Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos:
Arsenal also reached the last eight of the Europa League despite a loss to 10 man Olympiacos.
A deflected second-half strike from Youssef El-Arabi gave the away side hope of defeating Mikel Arteta’s side for the second consecutive season.
The Gunners won 3-2 on aggregate as their hunt for European silverware continues.
“We’ll get better,” Arteta said. “When it comes to decision-making and execution, it’s a little bit more difficult.
“We need another win in the Premier League and it’s a big chance after the international break to get a run together.”
Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur:
Jose Mourinho’s side were stunned by a Mislav Orsic hattrick as Dinamo Zagreb defied the odds to make the next round.
The London side went into the contest leading 2-0 on aggregate, but were clearly missing the influence of the injured Heung-Min Son.
Spurs under Mourinho have now lost twice by a three-goal margin in European competition, after their loss to RB Leipzig last season.
Mourinho was quick to praise his opponents: “They left sweat, energy, blood. In the end they left even tears of happiness. Very humble and committed. I have to praise them.
“On the other side, my team. They didn’t look like they were playing an important match. If for any one of them it is not important, for me it is.”
Rangers 0-2 Slavia Praha:
Rangers joined Spurs out of the competition after to a two-goal defeat to Slavia Prague at the Ibrox Stadium.
The Gers were reduced to nine men after a horrific high tackle from Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun’s second yellow card.
However, the match was marred by allegations that Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela racially abused Glen Kamara.
“My player tells me he was racially abused,” Gerrard said.
“I feel angry. I know Glen and trust him 100%. The Slavia player has caused this and something needs to happen quickly but that is above me. But whatever happens, I stand next to Glen.
