Pires comes in for Arsenal

Highbury staged its last European tie after 93 years tonight as Arsenal looked to secure their place in the Champions League final for what would be a first appearance in their long and illustrious history.

Manager Arsene Wenger was able to call on Spanish youngster Cesc Fabregas, fit again following a foot problem for the first leg against Villarreal, alongside Fredrik Ljungberg and veteran Robert Pires in the Arsenal midfield.

Youngster Theo Walcott was once again the only Englishman in the squad as he took his place on the bench.

The Spaniards have impressed on their debut season in the competition to reach the last four.

Despite their injury problems, they still fielded an impressive line-up which included Argentinian playmaker Riquelme and the attack was led by former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan.