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3 things you need to know about Thursday's Europa League action

Heino Kalis / Reuters

Thursday's Europa League action marked an end to the tournament's quarterfinal component, and featured a valiant comeback from La Liga's Valencia against the Swiss Super League's Basel. 

In addition to Valencia, Juventus, Benfica and Sevilla anxiously await Friday's semifinal draw. 

Unlike the tournament's three other remaining teams, Valencia needed a historical effort in order to advance. Los Che headed into Thursday's match trailing Basel 3-0 on aggregate, resulting in the Spanish club entering the record books. 

Here's everything you need to know about Thursday's Europa League action...

Valencia dismantles Basel en route to making history 

Valencia was trailing by three goals, but benefited from extra time and some ill advised mistakes by Basel. Los Che scored three goals in regulation, forcing extra time and capping off one of the tournament's greatest comebacks. Basel was forced to nine men after Gaston Sauro received a second yellow and Marcelo Diaz was given a straight red card. 

Paco Alcacer and Juan Bernat both scored in the second period of extra time, propelling Valencia to a 5-0 win and securing the squad's spot in the semifinals. 

Alcacer led the way with an incredible hat trick, and will look to continue his incredible form in the next round. 

Andrea Pirlo is nothing less than magnificent for Juventus

Since joining Juventus in 2011, Andrea Pirlo has continued to roll back the years. The ageless midfielder was outstanding for the Old Lady, and he continued the trend against Lyon on Thursday. 

It took the 34-year-old only four minutes to make his mark on the game, curling in a beautiful free-kick which left Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes completely helpless. 


Juventus 1-0 Lyon (Goal Andrea Pirlo) by all-goals

Pirlo's trademark free-kick marked his second goal of tournament after he scored another curler against Fiorentina during the Round of 16. Pirlo's world-class performances have propelled Juventus into the final four, and it's obvious that his mastery is the result of his magnificent hair and beard combo. 

Spanish clubs dominating European tournaments 

With Valencia and Sevilla securing spots in the Europa League semifinals, Spain will be represented by four clubs during the final stages of Europe's top tournaments. 

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid advanced to the final four of the Champions League, meaning Spanish clubs will occupy 50 percent of the final spots in European competition. 

Like the Europa League, the draw for the Champions League semifinals is also scheduled for Friday, which could potentially lead to all-Spanish matches in both tournaments. 

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