Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal’s worst Europa League exits – ranked

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal looks dejected following the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal looks dejected following the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next

4. Semi-finals vs Atletico Madrid (2017/18)

Atletico beat the Gunners during Arsene Wenger’s last season at the club. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Atletico beat the Gunners during Arsene Wenger’s last season at the club. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

Arsenal first appeared in the Europa League during Wenger’s final season at the club in 2017/18. They had been humiliated in the Champions League for much of the 2010s, and this gave the Gunners the chance to establish some continental pedigree.

Their maiden UEL campaign started brightly and was highlighted by a round of 16 triumph over an improving Milan. Victory over CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals saw them advance into the last four where Atletico Madrid – Champions League finalists just two seasons prior – awaited.

This was an excellent Atleti side that included pre-Barcelona Antoine Griezmann, Koke, Saul Niguez, Lucas Hernandez, and some fella called Thomas in midfield. Arsenal were the underdogs, but they fought bravely over two legs against Diego Simeone’s side. After drawing 1-1 at the Emirates, Diego Costa struck the decisive blow in the return leg to send the Spanish side through to the final, which they won.

While a semi-final exit was disappointing, there was no shame in Arsenal’s defeat.

Continued on the next slide…

Home/Arsenal All-Time Lists