Aubameyang and Lacazette outclass Valencia to book place in final

Arsenal became the third English side to seal their place in a European final this season after a convincing 2-4 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla. Added to the 3-1 win in the first leg, it was a thumping 7-3 win on aggregate thanks to Aubameyang and Lacazette  Arsenal, who will face Chelsea in the final, were under serious pressure for the first fifteen minutes of the contest, but once Arsenal equalised, the Spanish side never had a sniff. 

Valencia made a tremendous start to the contest and Piccini's run in the first minute showed their intent and belief they could turn it around. The home side had their first real opportunity in the fifth minute when Gaya made a terrific run down the far side then after giving the ball to Gameiro, Gaya's header from the cross was deflected for a corner. Three minutes later, Goncalo Guedes fired off target after Gaya went down the flank and nutmegged Maitland-Niles. Valencia did not have to wait long for the breakthrough though. 

In the 11th minute, Maitland-Niles saw an effort saved and on the counter, Rodrigo passed it to Guedes on the far side, the Portuguese gave it back to Rodrigo before his cross was tapped in by Gameiro from four yards out. Valencia were just one goal away from qualification and Guedes beat Maitland-Niles once again before Rodrigo shot at goal. It was a certain game, but Gameiro was in the way and blocked his own teammate's shot from going in. Rodrigo then hit wide in the 16th minute and when Valencia were dominating, Arsenal struck a killer blow. 

With 17 minutes on the clock, Cech sent a long punt forward, Paulista just headed it up in the air and as he had a second bite at the cherry, Lacazette got his head to it to play in Aubameyang. The Gabonese made no mistake in front of Neto. The home side and crowd were flat abd despite one Wass effort which went over after 23 minutes, the hosts hardly managed to threaten Cech after that. Aubameyang had a chance after 25 minutes and Parejo flashed one wide two minutes later. 

Aubameyang then hit a tame effort at Neto before Lacazette missed a glaring opportunity six minutes before half-time. Aubameyang, who had a stunning game, beat Gaya down the far side and then Lacazette hit the post when he should have realy scored. Valencia's frustration was growing and a sign of their desperation was clear to see when Gaya was booked for diving just before the interval. It was all square at the interval and Arsenal had it under control. There was to be no stunning comeback in the second half though. 

Lacazette sealed the deal five minutes into the second half when he punished a Gaya error. Aubemeyang dispossessed him and the ball fell to Torreira who then found Lacazette into the box. The Frenchman then made a tremendous turn before curling it into the corner. Kevin Gameiro pulled one back for Valencia to make it 2-3 after 58 minutes when Parejo played a pass to an offside Wass, he flicked it on and then Rodrigo's shot was blocked by Gameiro on the line who tapped in. 

Valencia saw a way back into the game and puts lots of pressure on Arsenal in the next 10 minutes of the game. Garay hit a long range effort in the 64th minute before Gameiro nearly went past Koscielny in another move. As Valencia were pressing, Aubameyang completed his hat-trick. Maitland-Niles made a great run down the near side and beat Guedes before firing a cross straight to Aubameyang at the near post to tap in 20 minutes from time.

Marcelino's side knew there was no chance they could come back into the tie, but they continued to give it their all as they wanted to play for a pride. Gaya had a go from 25 yards which flew harmlessly past Cech's post and then Arsenal rounded the game off in style with yet another touch of class. Arsenal were almost toying with their opponents and after lovely play between Guendouzi and Aubameyang, the latter let a pass from the former roll through to Mkhitaryan. The Armenian then played it for Aubameyang to smash home. 

The remaining few minutes of the game were a non-event and when the referee blew the full-time whistle, the Spanish side showed their frustration and  a mini-fight broke out by the corner flag. Fortunately for everyone, the situation was defused fairly quickly and just one booking was shown by the Dutch official.

Arsenal deservedly progressed to the final and they truly outclassed their opponents. They must win that game against Chelsea in order to qualify for next season's Champions League. For Valencia, they will now turn their attentions to the league where they are looking to claim a top four spot before facing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on 25th May.