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Chelsea saviour Kepa: Blues 'were lucky' to set up Europa League final clash against Arsenal

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is mobbed by teammates after they won the UEFA Europa League, Semi Final, Second Leg at Stamford Bridge, London. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Kepa Arrizabalaga is mobbed by teammates after securing their place in the UEFA Europa League final. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea saviour Kepa Arrizabalaga admits the Blues were lucky after earning a Europa League final berth against Arsenal.

The west Londoners secured their place in an all-English final after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

Kepa saved Frankfurt’s fourth and fifth spot kicks before Eden Hazard won it for Chelsea, with what could prove to be his final act at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea set up all-English Europa League final

AS IT HAPPENED: Kepa and Hazard get Chelsea through against Frankfurt in penalty shootout

Speaking to BT Sport, Kepa 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 from 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.”

Chelsea talisman Hazard played an influential role in setting up Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s opener, before Luka Jovic levelled in the second half in what manager Maurizio Sarri labelled ‘10 minutes of panic’.

But the Belgian credited Chelsea’s character for seeing them through.

He told BT Sport: "I always take my responsibility when I have to. Today we are happy but it's not finished.

“We have another game to play against Arsenal. We need to go there and play with quality and win the game."

"I don't think about that (whether it was his final appearance). I'm only thinking about winning something for this club and this squad.

“If it's my last game I will try to do everything for this club to win a trophy. In my mind I don't know yet."

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