Soccer-Villarreal gain narrow edge in chaotic win over Arsenal

Soccer Football - Europa League - Semi Final First Leg - Villarreal v Arsenal - Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain - April 29, 2021 Villarreal's Manu Trigueros celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Pablo Morano

VILLARREAL, Spain (Reuters) -Villarreal claimed a narrow advantage in their Europa League semi-final against Arsenal with a 2-1 home victory in the first leg on Thursday, although they might live to rue letting the London club off the hook.

It looked like being a joyous night for Villarreal manager Unai Emery against the club that sacked him in 2019 as his side reached halftime with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals by Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol.