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Manchester United meets Celta Vigo, Lyon gets Ajax in Europa League semis

FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP / Getty

Manchester United's quest to secure qualification for next season's Champions League - by winning the tournament's sister competition - will take the club through Galicia, Spain.

The draw for the semi-finals of the Europa League was held Friday, with the Red Devils being pitted against La Liga side Celta Vigo. The other tie, which is arguably the more intriguing of the pair, will see Ajax clash with Lyon.

In a break from the tournament's standard operating schedule, the first leg of what should be a fascinating Ajax-Lyon tilt - hosted by the Dutch talent incubator - is slated to take place on a Wednesday (May 3).

Celta Vigo welcomes United to the Balaidos the following day.

The return fixtures, meanwhile, both take place on May 11.

This year's final, being played at the Friends Arena in Sweden, could see a new champion crowned in the competition for the first time since Chelsea's triumph in 2013.

None of Manchester United, Lyon, or Celta Vigo has ever hoisted this trophy - be it the Europa League or its previous incarnation, the UEFA Cup. Ajax has won it once before, in 1992.

Regardless of the victor, however, one thing's for certain: For the first time in three years, Sevilla - the soon-to-be dethroned three-time reigning champion - won't be the club celebrating come the tournament's final whistle.

The final is set for May 24.

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