Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Thursday night’s first leg of the Europa League semi-final feels like a Champions League night.

This is the first season in 18 years that Arsenal have not played in the Champions League, but the Gunners have managed to alleviate some of that pain for their fans by reaching the final four of Europe’s second tier.

There is further motivation for Wenger and his team as victory in the Europa League will see them back in the Champions League next season – although by then they will have a new manager.