The UEFA Europa League knockout stage continues to deliver exciting matchups, with four teams securing their spots in the semi-finals. This year's competition promises a thrilling conclusion, with a mix of established giants and rising stars battling for continental glory.

Premier League Giants Fall Short

English hopes for Europa League glory were dashed this week. Liverpool, despite a valiant 1-0 win against Atalanta in the second leg, couldn't overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit. This effectively ends their dream of a treble under Jurgen Klopp in his final season at the helm. West Ham also exited the competition, drawing 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen but falling 3-1 on aggregate. This leaves Aston Villa, competing in the Europa Conference League, as the sole English representative in European competitions.

Germany's Bayer Leverkusen Marches On

Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off their first-ever Bundesliga title, continues their quest for a historic treble. Xabi Alonso's men held West Ham to a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten run to a remarkable 44 games and securing a semi-final berth. They now face Roma, who booked their spot with a 2-1 victory over AC Milan in an all-Italian clash.

Italian Clubs Shine

Roma, under the leadership of recently extended coach Daniele De Rossi, showcased grit and determination. Despite playing with ten men for most of the second leg, they defeated Milan 3-1 on aggregate. They'll face a resurgent Atalanta in the semi-finals. Atalanta, despite their first loss of the Europa League campaign against Liverpool, continues to impress. They now face Olympique de Marseille, who edged over Benfica in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 aggregate draw.

Europa Conference League Sees New Faces

While the Europa League boasts established names, the Europa Conference League witnesses the rise of new contenders. Aston Villa, through a penalty shootout win over Lille, secured their first European semi-final appearance since 1982. They'll face Olympiakos, who also advanced via penalties. Fiorentina, last year's runner-up, overcame Viktoria Plzeň in extra time and will take on Club Brugge in the other semi-final clash.

Looking Ahead at the Europa League Semi-Finals

With the Premier League giants ousted, the Europa League becomes a wide-open race. Bayer Leverkusen, with their momentum and experience, are a force to be reckoned with. However, Roma's resilience, Atalanta's attacking prowess, and Marseille's never-say-die attitude make for an exciting competition. Football fans can expect high-octane encounters as these teams battle it out for a place in the Dublin final on May 25th.

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