Strasbourg achieved a resounding 4-0 victory over Mainz in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, overturning their 2-0 first-leg defeat and securing a place in the semi-finals.
Sebastien Nanasse and Abdoul Ouattara scored in the first half, before Julio Enciso added the third and Emmanuel Emiga completed the rout, despite missing a penalty.
Strasbourg became the second French team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament after Marseille. This is also their first time achieving this feat in European competition.
Rayo Vallecano secured their place in the semi-finals despite losing to AEK Athens 3-1 in the second leg.
The Spanish team capitalized on their 3-0 first-leg victory, before Essi Palazón scored a decisive goal in the 60th minute, effectively ending the Greek team’s hopes of a comeback.
This qualification is the first in Rayo Vallecano’s history to reach the semi-finals of a European championship.
Crystal Palace qualified for the semi-finals, despite losing to Fiorentina 2-1 in the second leg.
The English team capitalized on their 3-0 first-leg victory, while Ismaila Sarr scored an early goal that ended the Italian team’s hopes.
Crystal Palace continues to make history in its first European campaign, having reached the semi-finals.
Check out: [The 7-goal match… Bayern Munich eliminates Real Madrid and qualifies for the Champions League semi-finals (video)](https://www.voiceofemirates.com/en/sport/2026/04/16/the-7-goal-match-bayern-munich-eliminates-real-madrid-and-qualifies-for-the-champions-league-semi-finals-video/)
Strasbourg will meet Rayo Vallecano, while Crystal Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk, who qualified under the leadership of Arda Turan.
The first leg matches are scheduled for April 30, the second leg matches for May 7, and the final will be played on May 27 at the Red Bull Arena.