Europa League predictions: What to expect in the semi-final second legs

Thursday nights...ARE EUROPA NIGHTS!

The final Thursday of 2023/24 European action awaits as eight teams bid to book their places in the Europa League and Europa Conference League finals.

The semi-final second legs are bound to supply chaos across the board, although Bayer Leverkusen's victory in Rome has set them up for a rather comfortable progression into the Europa League final during their historical season.

Over in the Conference, it was goals galore in the first legs with Fiorentina aiming to return to the competition's showpiece event having been beaten in the final by West Ham last year. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have plenty of work to do in Greece.

Here's how 90min sees Thursday's semi-final second legs playing out.

Wednesday 8 May - Europa Conference League

The city of Brugge has its priorities, with Thursday's clash between Club Brugge and Fiorentina being moved to Wednesday as a result of a catholic procession which will pass through the city. The Procession of Holy Blood, which takes place on Ascension Day, was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

Fiorentina will take a 3-2 lead to Brugge after M'Bala Nzola struck late on to ensure Vincenzo Italiano's side secured victory in Florence despite the visitors playing the final 30 minutes with ten men.

Nzola's goal could prove to be huge in the context of the tie, with Fiorentina having already established themselves as seasoned Conference League performers. Expect goals at both ends in Belgium but the Italians should find a way of reaching another final.

Thursday 9 May - Europa League

Some might have fancied Roma, who have so far been very impressive under Daniele De Rossi, to inflict the first defeat upon Bayer Leverkusen this season.

However, Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga champions brushed aside a tired Giallorossi with aplomb in the first leg, with Alonso's shrewd utilisation of Florian Wirtz in his frontline proving key to an away victory.

This Leverkusen team is special and, although they've had their fair share of close shaves on home soil this term, it's hard to envisage a fading Roma mustering any notable resistance in the return leg.

While the Germans should advance with some comfort, the other semi-final is anyone's game. Atalanta departed the first leg the happier having secured a 1-1 draw in Marseille, with the French side enduring a woeful season on the road. Marseille have notched only 11 away points in 15 Ligue games.

They need a result on Thursday to have any chance of progressing but have their work cut out against a buoyant Atalanta outfit boasting the red-hot Gianluca Scamacca. The Italian striker is coming into his own just in time for Euro 2024.

Thursday 9 May - Europa Conference League

Many expected Aston Villa to need to hold off a potential Olympiacos comeback in the second leg, but it's the Villans who'll have to stage an impressive resurgence in Greece on Thursday.

Olympiacos stunned Villa in the Midlands last week, earning a 4-2 win on the road despite the hosts fighting back from 2-0 down. Their two-goal cushion is huge given just how tough they are to beat on home soil.

It's been a long season for Unai Emery's side and their performances over the past month have pointed towards fatigue and the effects of a rather thin squad.

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