The 2012/13 UEFA Europa League campaign is down to a final four as Basel, Benfica, Chelsea and Fenerbahce contest for a place in the final of the continent’s second major prize at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Though two of these teams have never come this far before, the other two can list European Cup successes on their CVs, including last year’s Champions League winners Chelsea, who will fly the flag for English football in the semi-finals.
Both legs of each Europa League semi-final tie will be shown exclusively on ITV Sport. Chelsea’s tie against FC Basel will be shown on ITV, while Fenerbahce’s clash with Benfica is live on ITV4.
Details of how to follow both Semi Final games below:
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Champions League holders Chelsea have never won the Europa competition but they are strong favourites to progress forward to next month’s final in Amsterdam.
The Blues are in a commanding position after winning the opener 2-1 and the home side will be expecting to book their place in the final on 15 May.
However, they still cannot afford to underestimate the Swiss side, who have already eliminated FC Dnipro, Zenit St Petersburg and Tottenham Hotspur in the knockout stages.
Matt Smith presents ITV’s live coverage from Stamford Bridge starting at 7.45pm ahead of an 8.05pm kick-off.
Gareth Southgate, Lee Dixon and Gordon Strachan provide analysis from pitchside while match commentary comes from Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.
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Fenerbahce secured a crucial first leg advantage in their semi-final tie against Benfica in Istanbul last week, with the Portuguese outfit needing to score at least twice or win by two goals to progress to the final.
Benfica have won all three of their home matches in the knockout stage of this competition since transferring to it from the Champions League, after they finished third in Group G behind Barcelona and Celtic.
However, the Turkish outfit hold a 1-0 lead from the opener and have proven equally adept on their travels this term, winning all three of their away matches in Group C.
ITV4 will screen all the action from the semi-final second-leg encounter from 7.45pm ahead of a 8.05pm kick-off.
Build-up to kick-off will be a simulcast of ITV’s coverage of Chelsea v Basel. Match commentary, half-time analysis and post-match reaction from Lisbon will be provided by Peter Drury and Jim Beglin.
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ITV’s live match coverage, as well additional video clips, interviews and analysis, is available to watch for free via the ITV football website – CLICK HERE
Keep up to date with all the latest UEFA Europa League reports, goal flashes and results by following ITV Football on Twitter (@itvfootball).
Online streaming available to UK users only
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