Europa League 2014/15

[Matt]

When was the last time we had no involvement in Europe at this stage? Must be a while.

[GoGo Yubari]

When was the last time we had no involvement in Europe at this stage? Must be a while.

Over twenty years, it appears.

[Matt]

Actually (because I was bored and intrigued, I looked it up) it was the 94-95 season. Man Utd were knocked out of the champions league in the group stages and Villa and Spurs failed to get beyond the second (or it may have been third) round of the UEFA cup.

[Bobfoc]

Arsenal made it to the Cup Winners' Cup Final, though, so I think that's being taken into account.

[Matt]

Ah of course, I had forgotten that was a thing.

[Colly]

I liked the Cup Winners Cup, I always thought it would've been cool if the winners went on to play their equivalents in other confederations in the Cup Winners Cup Winners Cup. Just a quick insight into my adolescent mind.

[Thrilla]

Ah of course, I had forgotten that was a thing.

The biggest screwjob in Leeds' history happened in the CWC, iirc.

[Lineker]

Quarter-finals

Sevilla v Zenit St Petersburg

Dnipro v Club Brugge

Dynamo Kiev v Fiorentina

Wolfsburg v Napoli

[DavidMarrio]

Dnipro and Brugge have done well to avoid the bigger teams.

Wolfsburg/Napoli looks the best game of the round. If I was to predict the semi finalists it'd be

Sevilla
Dnipro
Fiorentina
Wolfsburg

[Colly]

I'm tempted by a few quid on Sevilla at 5/1, so they won't win.

[Matt]

Ah of course, I had forgotten that was a thing.

The biggest screwjob in Leeds' history happened in the CWC, iirc.

I'd say 75 was bigger, though maybe not quite as blatant. But yes you're correct.

[Hobo]

I liked the Cup Winners Cup, I always thought it would've been cool if the winners went on to play their equivalents in other confederations in the Cup Winners Cup Winners Cup. Just a quick insight into my adolescent mind.

I miss it too. You are not alone!

[Thrilla]

I'm tempted by a few quid on Sevilla at 5/1, so they won't win.

I fancy Wolfsburg, anyone seen a price on them?

[Jimmy]

7/2 at sky bet. I think Zenit at 6/1 would actually be a decent shout, AVB likes the Europa League.

[DavidMarrio]

Depends how they do away. I'd expect Zenit to win at home as they've only lost once in Europe this season at home and that was to Leverkusen. 6/1 is worth a punt though.

[Lineker]

Quarter final first legs tonight from 8pm. Wolfsburg/Napoli is on ITV4, Dynamo Kiev/Fiorentina is on BT Sport 1, and Club Brugge/Dnipro is on BT Sport 2.

[MDK]

Phew, for a minute there I thought I would have to watch something about the election.

[Lineker]

Napoli thrashed hosts Wolfsburg in their Europa League quarter-final first leg. Gonzalo Higuain's half-volley, two crisp finishes from Marek Hamsik and Manolo Gabbiadini's header put the Italians on the verge of the last four. Elsewhere, holders Sevilla came back to win 2-1 at home to Zenit St Petersburg. Fiorentina claimed a late 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev, while Club Brugge and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk ended goalless.

[Baddar]

It's the final tonight!

Dnipro vs. Sevilla for a spot in next season's Champions League kicks off at 7:45 on ITV4.

[Lineker]

Can't see Sevilla losing it. They own this competition. Dnipro doing it would be a nice story for Ukraine though.