Europa League roundup: Arsenal, Chelsea highlight semifinalists

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Stuart Franklin / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Arsenal cruised into the final four of the Europa League on Thursday courtesy of a 1-0 win at Napoli.

Alexandre Lacazette's beautiful free-kick after 36 minutes lifted the Gunners to a 3-0 aggregate advantage. Napoli offered little in response.

In Arsenal's native London, Chelsea made hard work of a 5-3 aggregate ousting of Slavia Prague. Maurizio Sarri's side fashioned a 4-1 lead by the interval, but a Petr Sevcik brace in the second half gave the visitors slim hopes of a remarkable comeback.

Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt beat Benfica 2-0 at Waldstadion to advance on away goals following the Portuguese club's 4-2 victory in the first scuffle. Sebastian Rode jabbed in the decisive goal from the edge of the area after 67 minutes.

Valencia are also through after completing the formality of a 5-1 aggregate triumph over regional rivals Villarreal. Young full-back Toni Lato and midfielder Daniel Parejo scored for Los Ches.

Arsenal will face Valencia and Eintracht will take on Chelsea in the semifinals.

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