Atlético Madrid will play Arsenal in the Europa League semifinals.

The rojiblancos were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages. At the time the disappointment was evident when Gabi said the Europa League “is shit”. They have found themselves in the semifinals of a European competition, however, and the disappointment has given way to optimism.

Diego Simeone says it’s great that Atlético find themselves in the last four in Europe and they will be going hell for leather to win a trophy given their Liga dreams are on the rocks. They have all but sealed second place in the league barring a collapse and to finish the season with silverware might prove vital in luring players to the club and keeping their best players beyond the summer.

They landed Arsenal in the semifinal on Friday having beaten Sporting Clube de Portugal over two legs despite losing the second leg 1-0 in Lisbon on Thursday night. Their other side of the draw sees Marseille play FC Salzburg.

Arsenal beat CSKA Moscow over two legs in their quarter-final.

Europa League full draw

Olympique Marseille vs FC Salzburg

Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid