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Kepa admits Chelsea 'lucky' as they reach Europa League final after shootout

Chelsea are into the Europa League final after winning a penalty shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Eden Hazard scored the winning penalty as Chelsea edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 on penalties to set up an all-English Europa League final against Arsenal.

Hazard, who could have played his final game for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, converted after Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had saved from both Martin Hinteregger and Goncalo Paciencia.

Chelsea will now meet Arsenal in the final in Baku on 29 May and the result means both the Champions League and Europa League final will be played between English clubs this season - the first time all four finalists in Europe's top two competitions have come from one nation.

With the score 1-1 after the first leg, Chelsea took lead in the second when Ruben Loftus-Cheek coolly stroked into the far corner in the 28th minute, but the night was far from straight-forward.

Frankfurt levelled the tie four minutes after half-time when Luka Jovic slotted past Arrizabalaga after being played in by Mijat Gacinovic.

Chelsea thought they had won it late in extra-time but Cesar Azpilicueta, who later missed first in the penalty shootout, had a goal ruled out when the referee deemed he had bundled the ball out of Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp's hands.

Arrizabalaga said: "Penalties are down to luck. Today we won and in the Carabao Cup final we lost, but this is football. Today was really good and we played against a very difficult team and we are very happy.

"We always prepare for the penalty shooters before each game and today we are lucky. Wembley is in the past and I learned form it. I said I was sorry but we always keep moving forward and today was another game and we are happy to get to the final.

"Our season was a little bit difficult but we have reached two finals and we have qualified for the Champions League so I think it's a good season. Now we will have a strong London derby with Arsenal in Baku."

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