Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golders

Valencia coach Marcelino Garcia Tora has slammed the “unjust” 3-1 defeat in the first leg of the Europa League semi final in North London saying “not even Arsenal expected this result”.

During the after match press conference, the former midfielder claimed that Valencia “had the game under control”.

The Spanish side took a shock lead in the 11th minute, netting a vital away goal from a poorly-defended corner and silencing the North London crowd.

Pictures Credit: Golders/@valenciacf

However, despite their recent poor form, Arsenal battled back to equalise seven minutes later through French striker Alexandre Lacazette who added a second in the 25th minute.

The second half saw chances for both sides, but Arsenal scored a vital third goal in the last minute and now look favourites to advance to the final.

Marcelino said after the game: “Not even Arsenal expected this result, we had it under control.”

“We lacked experience. I didn’t see too many problems from the bench. Our opponents had chances with long-range efforts and we also had our own.

“We adapted perfectly to the game.

“I did not think that we were nervous or that our rivals put us under pressure with every action. I don’t remember seeing many chances they created.”

The 53-year-old apologised to Valencia fans, saying: “Sorry we did not achieve a better result.”

However, in their home tie, the former Villarreal coach believes that his side “can come back, of course”.

Marcelino said: “We will fight to the end. We did not deserve this result or to concede a goal in the 90th minute.”

The two teams face off on 9th May at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia for a place in the final against either Chelsea or Eintracht Frankfurt.