With a place in the Europa League final already secured thanks to the semi-final currently being contested by Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, the Premier League is aiming to have a team in each of the three European finals. And it is well on its way, as the first legs of the semi-finals ended in positive results for the English sides.

Arsenal secured a creditable draw at the Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid, meaning they will have it all to play for in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium. Nottingham Forest narrowly beat Aston Villa in the all-English Europa League semi-final, and Villa Park will decide the outcome of a tie that is wide open.

Finally, Crystal Palace secured a resounding away victory against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and are in a strong position to reach their first-ever European final. The Premier League continues to prove that it is the league with the most competitive teams in Europe.

Results of the first legs of the European semi-finals

• PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich
• Atlético Madrid 1-1 Arsenal
• Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa
• Braga 2-1 Freiburg
• Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace
• Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Strasbourg

The biggest challenge lies with Arsenal

Arsenal face the toughest, albeit surmountable, task. Having secured a draw in Madrid, Mikel Arteta’s side know that this is now a one-off tie at the Emirates Stadium. As such, a great night is expected at the London stadium, where the atmosphere will be spectacular.

With Saka back to full fitness, the only significant absentees are Mikel Merino and Odegaard. Despite this, the Gunners have a squad capable of competing against any opponent. Furthermore, Gyokeres is scoring with ease, so if Arsenal can be solid at the back once again, they have a strong chance of reaching the Champions League final.

As for Crystal Palace, the two-goal lead they secured in the first leg should be enough to see them through to the Conference League final. Selhurst Park is set for a night to remember, and the team cannot afford to slip up. It could be a historic week for English football, with a representative in every European final.

European semi-final second legs

• Arsenal - Atlético Madrid (5 May, 20:00, Amazon Prime Video)
• Bayern Munich - PSG (6 May, 20:00, TNT Sports, TNT Sports 1 and HBO MAX)
• Aston Villa - Nottingham Forest (7 May, 20:00, TNT Sports, TNT Sports 1 and HBO MAX)
• Freiburg - Braga (7 May, 20:00, TNT Sports, TNT Sports 3 and HBO MAX)
• Crystal Palace - Shakhtar Donetsk (7 May, 20:00, TNT Sports, TNT Sports 2 and HBO MAX)
• Strasbourg - Rayo Vallecano (7 May, 20:00, TNT Sports, TNT Sports 5 and HBO MAX)