Europa League semi-final: Arsenal lose to Villarreal, Man Utd thrash Roma

Manchester United produced a storming second-half display to put one foot in the Europa League final with a 6-2 win over Roma in their Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils looked set to flunk another semi-final, after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s penalty and Edin Dzeko’s goal cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant opener.

But after the break, Edinson Cavani’s double, Fernandes’ second from the penalty spot, Paul Pogba’s header and Mason Greenwood’s sixth saw them score five unanswered goals.

Nicolas Pepe’s penalty provided a Europa League lifeline for 10-man Arsenal, as they were beaten 2-1 by Unai Emery’s Villarreal in a dramatic semi-final first leg in Spain.

Arsenal endured a dismal first half at Estadio de la Ceramica as poor defending allowed Manuel Trigueros to smash home from inside the box (5), before an unmarked Raul Albiol doubled Villarreal’s lead from close range following a corner (29).