English football giants Arsenal beat the Italian club Milan 2-0 in Italy in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash late Thursday. The London team bagged an important advantage for the return match in England.
Visitors Arsenal finished the job in the first half as Armenian attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan found the net in the 15th minute of the game. Mkhitaryan's early goal was followed by Welsh central midfielder Aaron Ramsey's finish in the first half's injury time.
Thanks to Mkhitaryan and Ramsey's goals, Arsenal won the showdown at San Siro 2-0. The second leg will be held at Arsenal's home ground in London on March 15.
Europa League title contenders Atletico Madrid from Spain beat Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0 in Madrid.
Spanish midfielders Saul Niguez and Koke and striker Diego Costa were scorers for Atletico at their home Metropolitano Stadium.
The tournament's round of 16 first legs were completed late Thursday.
Teams to qualify for the quarter finals in the Europa League will be decided after the second leg matches on March 15.
- First leg results are as follows:
Milan (Italy) - Arsenal (England): 0-2
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) - Salzburg (Austria): 1-2
CSKA Moscow (Russia) - Olympique Lyon (France): 0-1
Atletico Madrid (Spain) - Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia): 3-0
Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) - Viktoria Plzen (Czech Rep.): 2-0
Olympique Marseille (France) - Athletic Bilbao (Spain): 3-1
Leipzig (Germany) - Zenit (Russia): 2-1
Lazio (Italy) - Dinamo Kiev (Ukraine): 2-2